Gateway Gug 1 0 En E 6610D 6610Q BTX Pro UG

2014-07-05

: Gateway Gug-Gateway-1-0-En-E-6610D-E-6610Q gug-gateway-1-0-en-e-6610d-e-6610q gateway pdf

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BTX Pro
USERGUIDE
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Contents
Chapter 1: Getting Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Thank you for purchasing our computer! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Using the Gateway Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Using Help and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Searching for a topic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Getting help for Windows Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Using online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Finding your model and serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Working safely and comfortably . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Reducing eye strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Setting up your computer desk and chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Sitting at your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Preparing power connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Checking the voltage selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Connecting to a broadband modem or network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Connecting a dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Starting your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Waking up your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Turning off your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Restarting (rebooting) your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Premium multimedia keyboard features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Elite multimedia keyboard features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Using the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Configuring the audio jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Installing a printer, scanner, or other device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Chapter 3: Using Windows Vista. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Using the Windows desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Using the Start menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Adding icons to the desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Identifying window items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Working with files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Viewing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Creating folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Copying and moving files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
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Deleting files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Searching for files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Using the Windows Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Browsing for files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Working with documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Creating a new document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Saving a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Opening a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Printing a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Chapter 4: Using the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Learning about the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Setting up an Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Accessing your Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Using the World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Connecting to a Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Downloading files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Using e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Sending e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Checking your e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Chapter 5: Sending and Receiving Faxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Using Windows Fax and Scan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Sending a Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Setting up your cover page template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Faxing a scanned document or from programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Canceling a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Receiving and viewing a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Chapter 6: Using Your Hardware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Using the diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Using the CD or DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Identifying drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Inserting a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Configuring the audio jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Connecting a projector or monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Connecting a television . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Modifying television settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Connecting a video camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Chapter 7: Using Your Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Playing music and movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Playing audio and video files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
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Playing optical discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Creating audio files and music libraries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Creating music files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Building a music library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Editing track information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Creating music CDs and video DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Creating a music CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Creating a video DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Creating and copying data discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Creating a data disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Using Windows Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Starting Windows Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Using the Media Center remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Chapter 8: Customizing Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Changing screen settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Changing color depth and screen resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Changing the appearance of windows and backgrounds . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Selecting a screen saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Changing gadgets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Setting up multiple monitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Changing system sounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Changing mouse settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Adding and modifying user accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Changing power-saving settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Changing the power scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Changing accessibility settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Using the Ease of Access Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Using voice recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Chapter 9: Networking Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Introduction to Networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Making sure your broadband connection works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Networking terms you should know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Wired Ethernet networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Using a router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Setting up wired Ethernet network hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Wireless Ethernet networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Wireless Ethernet standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Using an access point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Setting up wireless Ethernet network hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Setting up your network connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Naming the computers and the workgroup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Configuring the TCP/IP protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Connecting to a wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Wireless security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
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Testing your network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Adding a printer to your network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Sharing resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Sharing drives and printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Using the network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Viewing shared drives and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Creating a shortcut to a network drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Opening files across the network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Copying files across the network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Printing files across the network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Chapter 10: Protecting your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Hardware security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Kensington lock slot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Data security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Startup and hard drive password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Windows user accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Protecting your computer from viruses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Using McAfee SecurityCenter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Using Windows Security Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Security updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Windows Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
BigFix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Chapter 11: Maintaining Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105
Setting up a maintenance schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Cleaning the monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Cleaning optical discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Recovering your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
System recovery options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Recovering specific files and software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Recovering your system using Microsoft System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Recovering your system using the Windows DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Updating Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Using BigFix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Deleting unnecessary files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Scheduling maintenance tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
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Moving from your old computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Transferring files and settings with Windows Easy Transfer . . . . . . . . . 116
Transferring files and settings manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Chapter 12: Adding and Replacing Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Opening the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Removing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Removing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Closing the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Replacing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Replacing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Installing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Replacing the system battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Replacing a CD, DVD, or diskette drive, or a memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . 126
Adding or replacing a hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Replacing the front fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Replacing the rear fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Replacing the power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Replacing the heat sink and processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Replacing the I/O panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Adding or replacing an expansion card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Replacing the system board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Chapter 13: Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
CD or DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Expansion cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Modem (cable or DSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Contents
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Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Appendix A: Legal Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
CHAPTER 1
1
Getting Help
•Thank you for purchasing our computer!
•Using the Gateway Web site
•Using Help and Support
•Using online help
•Finding your model and serial number
•Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
CHAPTER 1: Getting Help
2
Thank you for purchasing our computer!
You have made an excellent decision choosing Gateway. We are sure that you will be pleased
with the outstanding quality, reliability, and performance of your new computer. Each and every
Gateway computer uses the latest technology and passes through the most stringent quality
control tests to ensure that you are provided with the best product possible.
Please read this manual carefully to familiarize yourself with our range of services and support.
We have highlighted some basic care and safety information to help you keep your computer
in good operating condition.
Gateway stands behind our value proposition to our customers—to provide best-of-class service
and support in addition to high-quality, brand-name components at affordable prices. If you ever
have a problem, our knowledgeable, dedicated customer service department will provide you
with fast, considerate service.
We sincerely hope that you will receive the utmost satisfaction and enjoyment from your new
Gateway computer for years to come.
Thanks again, from all of us at Gateway.
Using the Gateway Web site
Gateway’s online support is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and provides the most
current drivers, product specifications, tutorials, and personalized information about your
computer. Visit the Gateway Support Web site at www.gateway.com.
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3
Using Help and Support
Your computer includes Help and Support, an easily accessible collection of help information,
troubleshooters, and automated support. Use Help and Support to answer questions about
Windows and to help you quickly discover and use the many features of your Gateway computer.
To start Help and Support:
•Click (Start), then click Help and Support. Help and Support opens.
You can find help information by clicking a general topic under Find an answer, selecting an
option under Ask someone, or picking a catagory from Information from Microsoft. You can
also search for a topic.
Searching for a topic
To search for a topic in Help and Support, type a word or phrase (keyword) in the Search Help
box located at the top of any Help and Support screen, then press ENTER.
For each search, you receive a list of suggested topics. To find the answer, click the result that
most closely matches your question. Additional results may be available if the first list does not
address your question.
Getting help for Windows Media Center
If your computer has Windows Vista Media Center Edition, you can access help for information
on how to use it.
To access Media Center help:
1Click (Start), then click Help and Support. Help and Support opens.
2In the Help and Support window, type Windows Media Center in the Search Help box,
then press ENTER. The Media Center Help window opens.
-OR-
If you are connected to the Internet, you can click Windows Online Help, then type
Windows Media Center in the Search Help For box.
CHAPTER 1: Getting Help
4
Using online help
If you are connected to the Internet, many programs provide information online so you can
research a topic or learn how to perform a task while you are using the program. You can access
most online help information by selecting a topic from a Help menu or by clicking the Help button
on the menu bar and selecting Online Support from the list.
Available information depends on the particular Help site to which you are taken. Many provide
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions), a search feature, articles about their software, tutorials, and
forums where problems and issues are discussed.
Finding your model and serial number
The label on the side of your computer case includes your computer serial number. Gateway
Customer Care will need this information if you call for assistance.
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the back or side of your computer includes
the product key code for your operating system. If you ever reinstall Windows Vista from the
installation DVD, you will need to enter these numbers to activate it.
Important
The labels shown in this section are for informational purposes only. Label
information varies by model, features ordered, and location.
CHAPTER 2
5
Setting Up and Getting Started
•Front
•Back
•Working safely and comfortably
•Preparing power connections
•Connecting to a broadband modem or network
•Connecting a dial-up modem
•Starting your computer
•Turning off your computer
•Restarting (rebooting) your computer
•Using the keyboard
•Using the mouse
•Adjusting the volume
•Configuring the audio jacks
•Installing a printer, scanner, or other device
CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started
6
Front
Your computer includes the following components (your computer may differ from the computer
shown below).
Component Icon Description
DVD/CD drive Use this drive to listen to audio CDs, install games and programs, watch DVDs,
and store large files onto recordable discs (depending on drive type).
This drive may be a CD, recordable CD, DVD, or recordable DVD drive. To
identify your drive type and for more information about your drive, see
“Identifying drive types” on page 46.
Spare 3.5-inch
external drive
bay
Use this drive bay for a memory card reader or other 3.5-inch drive.
Spare 5.25-inch
external drive
bay
Use this drive bay for an additional CD or DVD drive.
Memory card
reader (optional)
Insert a variety of memory cards into this optional memory card reader. For
more information, see “Using the memory card reader” on page 48.
Power
button/Power
indicator
Press this button to turn the power on or off. You can also configure the power
button to operate in Standby/Resume mode or Hibernate mode.
The button lights when the computer is turned on.
DVD/CD drive
Headphone jack
Spare 5.25-inch drive bay
Memory card reader
(optional). This bay can also
hold an optional diskette
drive.
IEEE 1394 ports (optional on
some models)
Microphone jack
Power button/power indicator
USB ports
Spare 3.5-inch drive bay
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Back
Your computer includes the following components (your computer may differ from the computer
shown below).
IEEE 1394 ports Plug an IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire® or i.Link®) device (such as a digital
camcorder) into these 4-pin IEEE 1394 ports. For more information, see
“Installing a printer, scanner, or other device” on page 20.
USB ports Plug a USB (Universal Serial Bus) device (such as a printer, scanner, camera,
keyboard, or mouse) into these ports. For more information, see “Installing a
printer, scanner, or other device” on page 20.
Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack. This jack is color-coded red or pink.
Headphone jack Plug powered, analog front speakers, an external amplifier, or headphones
into this jack. This jack is color-coded green.
Component Icon Description
Parallel port
Serial port
PS/2 keyboard port
PS/2 mouse port
Voltage switch
Power connector
Ethernet (network) jack
Digital coaxial audio jack (E-6610).
Video port (not shown) on E-6300 and
E-6500 models.
Audio in/side speaker jack
Case cover thumbscrew
Headphone/front speaker jack
Microphone jack
Center/subwoofer jack (optional)
Rear speaker jack
(optional)
USB ports
Cover release lever
DVI video port (standard on E-6610,
optional on E-6300 and E-6500).
Modem jack (optional) Telephone jack (optional)
IEEE 1394 port
S/PDIF optical audio jack (optional)
Kensington lock slot
CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started
8
Component Icon Description
Power connector Plug the power cord into this connector.
Cover release lever Press toward the side of the case to open the computer cover.
Case cover
thumbscrew
Remove this screw before opening the case.
Kensington lock slot Attach a cable lock to this slot, then attach the cable to a solid object
like a desk or table to prevent your computer from being stolen.
Rear speaker jack
(black plug)
(optional)
Dual-purpose audio jack. Plug your rear right and left speakers into
this optional jack.
For information on configuring this jack, see “Configuring the audio
jacks” on page 49.
Ethernet (network)
jack
Plug a 10/100 Ethernet network cable or a device (such as a DSL
or cable modem for a broadband Internet connection) into this jack.
For more information, see “Networking Your Computer” on page 81.
IEEE 1394 port
(optional)
Plug an IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire® or i.Link®) device (such
as a digital camcorder) into this 4-pin IEEE 1394 port. For more
information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other device” on
page 20.
Parallel port Plug a parallel device (such as a printer) into this port. For more
information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other device” on
page 20.
Modem jack
(optional)
Plug a modem cable into this jack.
Voltage switch Before turning on your computer, make sure that this switch is in
the correct position for the correct power available. The switch is
preset at the factory with the correct voltage for your area.
In the United States, the utility power is supplied at a nominal 115
volts at 60 Hz. The power supply should always be set to this when
your computer is operating in the United States. In other areas of
the world, such as Europe, the utility power is supplied at 230 volts
at 50 Hz. If your computer is operating in an environment such as
this, the voltage switch should be moved to 230.
Audio input (Line
in)/side speaker jack
(blue)
If the back of your computer has five audio jacks, this jack is user
configurable for one of the following:
Stereo in: Plug an external audio input source (such as a stereo)
into this jack so you can record sound on your computer (Default).
Stereo out: Plug your side left and right speakers into this jack.
For information on configuring this jack, see “Configuring the audio
jacks” on page 49.
If the back of your computer has three audio jacks, this jack is the
audio input (line in) jack. Plug an external audio input source (such
as a stereo) into this jack so you can record sound on your computer.
Headphone/analog
speakers jack (green)
-OR-
Front speakers jack
If the back of your computer has five audio jacks, this jack is user
configurable for one of the following:
Headphone: Plug headphones or amplified speakers into this jack
(Default).
Stereo out: Plug your front left and right speakers into this jack.
For information on configuring this jack, see “Configuring the audio
jacks” on page 49.
If the back of your computer has three audio jacks, this jack is the
headphone/analog speaker (line out) jack. Plug powered speakers,
an external amplifier, or headphones into this jack.
Microphone jack (red
or pink)
Plug a microphone into this jack.
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Center/subwoofer
jack
(orange plug)
(optional)
Dual-purpose audio jack. Plug your center speaker and subwoofer
into this optional jack.
For information on configuring this jack, see “Configuring the audio
jacks” on page 49.
S/PDIF optical audio
jack (optional)
Plug a single Toslink™ optical fiber connector into this jack for
digital audio. S/PDIF (Sony/Phillips Digital Interface) provides digital
audio output from a CD or DVD.
USB ports Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a printer, scanner,
camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these ports. For more
information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other device” on
page 20.
Digital coaxial audio
port (E-6610), or
Video port (E-6300
and E-6500)
Plug a single digital coaxial audio connector into this jack for digital
audio. Provides digital audio output from a CD or DVD (E-6610)
Plug a monitor into this port (E-6300 and E-6500).
Serial port Plug a serial device into this port. For more information, see
“Installing a printer, scanner, or other device” on page 20.
PS/2 keyboard port Plug a PS/2 mouse into this port.
PS/2 mouse port Plug a Personal System/2® (PS/2) keyboard into this port.
DVI video port Plug a digital monitor into this port (E-6610). Optional on some
models (E-6300 and E-6500).
Telephone jack
(optional)
Plug a telephone cable into this jack.
Component Icon Description
CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started
10
Working safely and comfortably
Before using your computer, follow these general guidelines for setting up a safe and comfortable
work area and avoiding discomfort and strain:
•Keep hands and arms parallel to the floor.
•Adjust the screen so it is perpendicular to your line of sight, and the top of the screen is
no higher than eye leve.
•Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.
•Keep ventilation openings clear of obstructions.
Reducing eye strain
Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the monitor screen or shine directly into
your eyes.
•Position the computer desk and screen so you can avoid glare on your screen and light
shining directly into your eyes. Reduce glare by installing shades or curtains on windows,
and by installing a glare screen filter.
•Use soft, indirect lighting in your work area. Do not use your computer in a dark room.
•Set paper holders at the same height and distance as the monitor.
•Avoid focusing your eyes on your computer screen for long periods of time. Every 10 or
15 minutes, look around the room, and try to focus on distant objects.
Setting up your computer desk and chair
When you are setting up your computer desk and chair, make sure that the desk is the appropriate
height and the chair helps you maintain good posture.
Top of screen is not
higher than eye level
Feet are flat on the floor
Hands and arms are
parallel to the floor
Screen is perpendicular to
your line of sight
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11
•Select a flat surface for your computer desk.
•Adjust the height of the computer desk so your hands and arms are positioned parallel to
the floor when you use the keyboard and touchpad. If the desk is not adjustable or is too
tall, consider using an adjustable chair to control your arm’s height above the keyboard.
•Use an adjustable chair that is comfortable, distributes your weight evenly, and keeps your
body relaxed.
•Position your chair so the keyboard is at or slightly below the level of your elbow. This
position lets your shoulders relax while you type.
•Adjust the chair height, adjust the forward tilt of the seat, or use a footrest to distribute
your weight evenly on the chair and relieve pressure on the back of your thighs.
•Adjust the back of the chair so it supports the lower curve of your spine. You can use a
pillow or cushion to provide extra back support.
Sitting at your computer
•Avoid bending, arching, or angling your wrists. Make sure that they are in a relaxed position
when you type.
•Do not slouch forward or lean far back. Sit with your back straight so your knees, hips,
and elbows form right angles when you work.
•Take breaks to stand and stretch your legs.
•Avoid twisting your torso or neck.
Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain
•Vary your activities to avoid excessive repetition.
•Take breaks to change your position, stretch your muscles, and relieve your eyes.
•Find ways to break up the work day, and schedule a variety of tasks.
Preparing power connections
Protecting from power source problems
During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming into your computer can increase
to far above normal levels and cause data loss or system damage. Protect your computer and
peripheral devices by connecting them to a surge protector, which absorbs voltage surges and
prevents them from reaching your computer.
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) supplies battery power to your computer during a power
failure. Although you cannot run your computer for an extended period of time with a UPS, a
UPS lets you run your computer long enough to save your work and shut down your computer
normally.
Warning
High voltages can enter your computer through both the power cord
and the modem connection. Protect your computer by using a surge protector.
If you have a telephone modem, use a surge protector that has a modem jack.
If you have a cable modem, use a surge protector that has an antenna/cable
TV jack. During an electrical storm, unplug both the surge protector and the
modem.
CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started
12
Checking the voltage selection
The power supply, a component built into your computer, provides power to the system board,
add-in cards, and peripheral devices. The power supply’s voltage selection for your location is
typically set at the factory, but you can change it to match the electrical service available in your
usage area (such as while in another country). Use the power selection switch on the back of
your computer to set the voltage to 115V or 230V. To verify that your system has the correct
setting for your area, check the voltage selection switch.
To set the voltage selection switch:
1Disconnect your computer’s power cable.
2Use a tool such as an opened paper clip to slide the voltage selection switch to the correct
voltage position. The switch is located on the back of your computer, near the power cable
connector.
Connecting to a broadband modem or network
You can connect your computer to a cable or DSL modem or to a wired Ethernet network.
To connect to a broadband modem or to an Ethernet network:
1Insert one end of the network cable into the network jack on the back of your computer.
2Insert the other end of the network cable into a cable modem, DSL modem, or network jack.
Connecting a dial-up modem
Your computer may have a 56K modem add-in card that you can use with a standard telephone
line to connect to the internet or fax documents.
To connect the modem:
1Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem jack on the modem expansion card
at the back of your computer.
2Insert the other end of the modem cable into a telephone wall jack. (The modem will not
work with digital or PBX telephone lines.)
3If you want, you can connect a telephone to the PHONE jack on the modem expansion
card at the back of your computer.
Caution
If you set the voltage selection switch incorrectly, your system will be
damaged. Make sure this switch is set correctly for your location before turning
on your computer. In the United States, the utility power is supplied at a nominal
115 volts at 60 Hz. The power supply should always be set to this when your
computer is operating in the United States. In other areas of the world, such
as Europe, the utility power is supplied at 230 volts at 50 Hz. If your computer
is operating in an environment such as this, the voltage switch should be moved
to 230.
Important
Your computer may be equipped with a built-in Ethernet port. For
information about setting up a wired or wireless Ethernet network, see
“Networking Your Computer” on page 81.
Warning
To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger
telecommunications line cord.
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13
Starting your computer
To start your computer:
1Connect the power, network, mouse, and keyboard cables to your computer according to
the setup poster.
2Press the power button on the front of your computer. If your computer does not turn
on, check the power cable connections.
3If you are starting your computer for the first time, follow the on-screen instructions to
select the language, time zone, and to create your first user account.
4Attach and turn on any USB or audio peripheral devices, such as printers, scanners, and
speakers. See the documentation that came with each device for its setup instructions. If
you need to attach a peripheral device to the parallel or serial ports, turn off your computer
first.
5To open your computer’s main menu, click (Start). From that menu, you can run
programs and search for files. For more information on using your computer’s menus, see
“Using Windows Vista” on page 21, and “Customizing Windows” on page 67.
Waking up your computer
When you have not used your computer for several minutes, it may enter a power-saving mode
called Sleep. While in Sleep mode, the power indicator on the power button flashes.
If your computer is in Sleep mode, move the mouse, press a key on the keyboard, or press the
power button to “wake” it up.
Turning off your computer
Putting your computer into Sleep mode is the easiest way to power down your computer.
Although it does not turn your computer completely off, it does turn off or slow down most
system operations to save power, and saves your desktop layout so the next time you restore
power, the programs are laid out just as you left them. Waking your computer from a Sleep state
is much faster than turning on your computer after it has been turned completely off.
Important
Your computer has a built-in variable speed fan. In addition, your
computer uses a powerful processor which produces heat. Both the
system fan and processor can run at different speeds at times to ensure
proper system cooling. You may notice an increase in the fan noise
when the fan is running at high speed and a decrease in the fan noise
when it switches to normal speed.
Tip
For more information about changing the power button mode, see
“Changing power-saving settings” on page 77.
Warning
When you turn off your computer, certain components in the power
supply and system board remain energized. In order to remove all electrical
power from your computer, unplug the power cord and modem cable from
the wall outlets. We recommend disconnecting the power cord and modem
cable when your computer will not be used for long periods.
Important
If for some reason you cannot use the Turn Off Computer option in
Windows to turn off your computer, press and hold the power button for about
five seconds, then release it.
CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started
14
To put your computer to sleep:
1Click (Start), then click (power). The computer saves your session and partially shuts
down to save power.
2To “wake” your computer, move the mouse, press a key on the keyboard, or press the
power button.
To turn off your computer:
1Click (Start), click the arrow next to the power icon, then click Turn Off. The computer
turns off.
2To completely disconnect all power (such as for servicing internal components), also
disconnect the power cord.
Restarting (rebooting) your computer
If your computer does not respond to keyboard or mouse input, you may need to restart (reboot)
your computer.
To restart your computer:
1Click (Start), click the arrow next to the power icon, then click Restart. Your computer
turns off, then turns on again.
2If your computer does not turn off, press and hold the power button until the computer
turns off (about five seconds), then press it again to turn the computer back on.
Using the keyboard
Premium multimedia keyboard features
The keyboard has several different types of keys and buttons. Your keyboard also has status
indicators that show which keyboard feature is active.
Function keys
Navigation keys
Indicators
Windows keys Application
key Directional keys Numeric keypad
Editing buttons
Internet
buttons Audio playback buttons Internet buttons
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15
Feature Icon Description
Editing buttons Press these buttons to copy, cut, and paste.
Function keys Press these keys to start program actions. Each
program uses different function keys for
different purposes. See the program
documentation to find out more about the
function key actions.
Internet buttons Press these buttons to launch your Internet
home page, search, or e-mail programs.
Audio playback
buttons
Press these buttons to play your audio files and
to adjust the volume.
Navigation keys Press these keys to move the cursor to the
beginning of a line, to the end of a line, up the
page, down the page, to the beginning of a
document, or to the end of a document.
Indicators Show if your NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or
SCROLL LOCK keys are activated. Press the
corresponding key to activate the function.
Windows keys Press one of these keys to open the Windows
Start menu. These keys can also be used in
combination with other keys to open utilities like
F(Search utility), R(Run utility), and E(Explorer
utility).
Application key Press this key to access shortcut menus and help
assistants in Windows.
Directional keys Press these keys to move the cursor up, down,
right, or left.
Numeric keypad Press these keys to type numbers when the
numeric keypad (NUM LOCK) is turned on.
CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started
16
Elite multimedia keyboard features
The keyboard has several different types of keys and buttons. Your keyboard also has status
indicators that show which keyboard feature is active.
Feature Icon Description
Sleep button Press this button to activate your computer’s
Sleep (power-saving) mode.
Function keys Press these keys to start program actions.
Each program uses different function keys for
different purposes. See the program
documentation to find out more about the
function key actions.
Application buttons Press these buttons to launch your Internet
home page, search for files, or launch the
calculator program.
Audio playback
buttons
Press these buttons to play your audio files
and to adjust the volume.
Indicators Show if your NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or
SCROLL LOCK keys are activated. Press the
corresponding key to activate the function.
Windows keys Press one of these keys to open the Windows
Start menu. These keys can also be used in
combination with other keys to open utilities
like F(Search utility), R(Run utility), and
E(Explorer utility).
Application key Press this key to access shortcut menus and
help assistants in Windows.
Editing buttons Press these buttons to copy, cut, and paste.
Function keys
Navigation
keys
Indicators
Windows
keys
Application key Numeric
keypad
Sleep button Internet buttons
Audio
playback
buttons
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17
Using the mouse
The mouse is a device that controls the pointer movement on the computer display. This
illustration shows the standard mouse.
As you move the mouse, the pointer (arrow) on the display moves in the same direction.
You can use the left and right buttons on the mouse to select objects on the display.
You can use the scroll wheel on the mouse to move through a document. This feature is not
available in all programs.
Navigation keys Press these keys to move the cursor to the
beginning of a line, to the end of a line, up the
page, down the page, to the beginning of a
document, or to the end of a document. Press
the arrow keys to move the cursor.
Numeric keypad Press these keys to type numbers when the
numeric keypad (NUM LOCK) is turned on.
Feature Icon Description
Scroll wheel
Left button
Right button
CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started
18
For more information about how to adjust the double-click speed, pointer speed, right-hand or
left-hand configuration, and other mouse settings, see “Changing mouse settings” on page 75.
For instructions on how to clean the mouse, see “Cleaning the mouse” on page 108.
Adjusting the volume
You can adjust volume using your speakers’ controls or the Windows volume controls. You can
also adjust the volume of specific sound devices in your computer.
To adjust the overall volume using hardware controls:
•If you are using external speakers, turn the knob on the front of the speakers.
-OR-
Use the mute and volume control buttons on the keyboard. For more information, see
“Using the keyboard” on page 14.
To... Do this...
Move the
pointer on the
computer
display
Move the mouse around on the
mouse pad. If you run out of
space on your mouse pad and
need to move the pointer
farther, pick up the mouse, set
it down in the middle of the
mouse pad, then continue
moving the mouse.
Select an object
on the computer
display
Position the pointer over the
object. Quickly press and
release the left mouse button
once. This action is called
clicking.
Start a program
or open a file or
folder
Position the pointer over the
object. Quickly press and
release the left mouse button
twice. This action is called
double-clicking.
Access a
shortcut menu
or find more
information
about an object
on the computer
display.
Position the pointer over the
object. Quickly press and
release the right mouse button
once. This action is called
right-clicking.
Move an object
on the computer
display.
Position the pointer over the
object. Press the left mouse
button and hold it down. Move
(drag) the object to the
appropriate part of the
computer display. Release the
button to drop the object
where you want it.
Help
For more information about adjusting the volume, click Start, then click
Help and Support. Type adjusting volume in the Search help box, then
press ENTER.
click
click
click,
click
click,
click
click
and drag
click
and drag
click
(hold)
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19
To adjust the volume from Windows:
1Click (Volume) on the taskbar. The volume control slider opens.
2Click and drag the slider up to increase volume and down to decrease volume.
3To mute the volume, click (Mute). To restore volume, click it again.
4To adjust device volume levels, click Mixer. The Volume Mixer dialog box opens, where
you can click and drag sliders for individual devices.
5Click X in the top-right corner of the window to close it.
Configuring the audio jacks
If the back of your computer has five audio jacks, they are universal jacks. This means that they
can be used for more than one purpose. For example, the blue jack on the computer can be a
stereo in jack or a stereo out jack. For more information on how each jack can be used, see your
hardware reference. To use the audio jacks for something other than the default audio device,
you need to configure the audio jacks.
To configure the audio jacks:
1Connect your audio device(s) to the computer audio jack(s).
2Click (Start), then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
Tip
Adjust the Windows Sounds slider to change system sounds volume
independently of general volume (such as the volume used for music and game
sounds).
Shortcut
Start Ö Control Panel Ö Sounds and Audio Devices Ö Advanced.
CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started
20
3Click Hardware and Sound, Sound, the Playback tab, then click Configure.
-OR-
If your computer has the Realtek Sound Effect Manager installed, double-click the Sound
Effect Manager icon on the taskbar. The Realtek dialog box opens.
4Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the audio jacks for your speaker setup.
Installing a printer, scanner, or other device
Your computer has one or more of the following ports: IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire® or
i.Link®), Universal Serial Bus (USB), serial, and parallel. You use these ports to connect peripheral
devices such as printers, scanners, and digital cameras to your computer. For more information
about port locations, see your hardware reference.
IEEE 1394 and USB ports support plug-and-play and hot-swapping, which means that your
computer will usually recognize such a device whenever you plug it into the appropriate port.
When you use an IEEE 1394 or USB device for the first time, your computer will prompt you to
install any software the device needs. After doing this, you can disconnect and reconnect the
device at any time.
Parallel and serial port devices are not plug-and-play. See the device documentation for detailed
information and installation instructions.
Important
Before you install a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device, see the
device documentation and installation instructions.
Help
For more information about installing peripheral devices, click Start, then
click Help and Support. Type installing devices in the Search box, then
press Enter.
CHAPTER 3
21
Using Windows Vista
•Using the Windows desktop
•Working with files and folders
•Searching for files
•Working with documents
•Shortcuts
CHAPTER 3: Using Windows Vista
22
Using the Windows desktop
After your computer starts, the first screen you see is the Windows desktop. The desktop is like
the top of a real desk. Think of the desktop as your personalized work space where you open
programs and perform other tasks.
.
Your desktop may be different from this example, depending on how your computer is set up.
The desktop contains the taskbar, the Start button, and the Recycle Bin icon.
Help
For more information about the Windows desktop, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the phrase Windows desktop in the Search Help box, then click the magnifying glass.
Desktop elements Description
The taskbar is the bar at the bottom of the computer display containing
the Start button on the left and a clock on the right. Other buttons on the
taskbar represent programs that are running.
Click a program’s button on the taskbar to open the program’s window.
The Start button provides access to programs,
files, help for Windows and other programs,
and computer tools and utilities.
Click the Start button, then open a file or
program by clicking an item on the menu that
opens.
The Recycle Bin is where files, folders, and
programs that you discarded are stored. You
must empty the Recycle Bin to permanently
delete them from your computer. For
instructions on how to use the Recycle Bin,
see “Deleting files and folders” on page 27.
The Windows Security Center icon may
appear on the taskbar near the clock. The icon
changes appearance to notify you when the
security settings on your computer are set
below the recommended value or when
updates are available. Double-click this icon to
open the Windows Security Center. For more
information, see “Modifying security settings”
on page 101.
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23
Using the Start menu
You can start programs, open files, customize your system, get help, search for files and folders,
and more using the Start menu.
To use the Start menu:
1Click (Start) on the lower left of the Windows desktop. The Start menu opens, showing
you the first level of menu items.
2Click All Programs to see all programs, files, and folders in the Start menu. If you click
an item with a folder icon, the programs, files, and subfolders appear.
3Click a file or program to open it.
Help
For more information about the Windows Start menu, click Start, then click Help and
Support. Type Windows Start menu in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
Shortcut
Start Ö All Programs Ö
CHAPTER 3: Using Windows Vista
24
Adding icons to the desktop
You may want to add an icon (shortcut) to the desktop for a program that you use frequently.
To add icons to the desktop:
1Click (Start), then click All Programs.
2Right-click (press the right mouse button) the program that you want to add to the desktop.
3Click Send To, then click Desktop (create shortcut). A shortcut icon for that program
appears on the desktop.
Identifying window items
When you double-click the icon for a drive, folder, file, or program, a window opens on the
desktop. This example shows the Local Disk (C:) window, which opens after you double-click the
Local Disk (C:) icon in the Computer window.
Every program window looks a little different because each has its own menus, icons, and
controls. Most windows include these items:
Help
For more information about the desktop icons, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type desktop icons in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
Shortcut
Start Ö All Programs Ö right-click programÖSend To Ö Desktop (create shortcut)
Help
For more information about windows, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type
window in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
Window item Description
The title bar is the horizontal bar at the top of a window that shows
the window title.
The Search box lets you search for
a word or phrase in the current
window.
Minimize
Maximize
Close
Title bar
Menu bar
Search box
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25
Working with files and folders
You can organize your files and programs to suit your preferences much like you would store
information in a file cabinet. You can store these files in folders and copy, move, and delete the
information just as you would reorganize and throw away information in a file cabinet.
Viewing drives
Drives are like file cabinets because they hold files and folders. A computer almost always has
more than one drive. Each drive has a letter, usually Local Disk (C:) for the hard drive and
Floppy (A:) for the diskette drive. You may also have more drives such as a CD or DVD drive.
To view the drives, folders, and files on your computer:
1Click (Start), then click Computer.
2Double-click the drive icon.
Clicking the minimize button
reduces the active window to a
button on the taskbar. Clicking the
program button in the taskbar
opens the window again.
Clicking the maximize button
expands the active window to fit
the entire computer display. Clicking
the maximize button again restores
the window to its former size.
Clicking the close button closes the
active window or program.
Clicking an item on the menu bar starts an action such as Print or
Save.
Help
For more information about files and folders, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type
files and folders in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
Window item Description
Disc drive
Hard drives
Diskette drive
CHAPTER 3: Using Windows Vista
26
Creating folders
Folders are much like the folders in a file cabinet. They can contain files and other folders.
Files are much like paper documents—letters, spreadsheets, and pictures—that you keep on your
computer. In fact, all information on a computer is stored in files.
To create a folder:
1Click (Start), then click Computer on the Start menu.
2Double-click the drive where you want to put the new folder. Typically, Local Disk (C:) is
your hard drive and 3½ Floppy (A:) is your diskette drive.
3If you want to create a new folder inside an existing folder, double-click the existing folder.
4Click Organize, then click New Folder. The new folder is created.
5Type a name for the folder, then press ENTER. The new folder name appears by the folder
icon.
For information about renaming folders, see “Shortcuts” on page 32.
Copying and moving files and folders
The skills you need to copy and move files are called copying, cutting, and pasting.
When you copy and paste a file or folder, you place a copy of the file or folder on the Windows
clipboard, which temporarily stores it. Then, when you decide what folder you want the copy
to go in (the destination folder), you paste it there.
When you cut and paste a file or folder, you remove the file or folder from its original location
and place the file or folder on the Windows clipboard. When you decide where you want the
file or folder to go, you paste it there.
To copy a file or folder to another folder:
1Locate the file or folder you want to copy. For more information, see “Viewing drives” on
page 25 and “Searching for files” on page 28.
2Right-click (press the right mouse button) the file or folder that you want to copy. A pop-up
menu opens on the desktop.
3Click Copy on the pop-up menu.
4Open the destination folder.
Shortcut
Click File ÖNew ÖFolder Ötype name
Important
The clipboard stores whatever you cut or copy until you cut or copy again. Then the clipboard
contains the new information only. Therefore, you can paste copies of a file or folder into more
than one place, but as soon as you copy or cut a different file or folder, the original file or folder
is deleted from the clipboard.
Folders
Files
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27
5With the pointer inside the destination folder, right-click.
6Click Paste. A copy of the file or folder appears in the new location.
To move a file or folder to another folder:
1Locate the file or folder you want to move. For more information, see “Viewing drives”
on page 25 and “Searching for files” on page 28.
2Right-click (press the right mouse button) the file or folder that you want to move. A pop-up
menu opens on the desktop.
3Click Cut on the pop-up menu.
4Open the destination folder.
5With the pointer inside the destination folder, right-click.
6Click Paste. The file or folder you moved appears in its new location and is removed from
its old location.
Deleting files and folders
When you throw away paper files and folders, you take them from the file cabinet and put them
in a trash can. Eventually the trash can is emptied.
In Windows, you throw away files and folders by first moving them to the Windows trash can,
called the Recycle Bin, where they remain until you decide to empty the bin.
You can recover any file in the Recycle Bin as long as the bin has not been emptied.
To delete files or folders:
1In the Computer or Windows Explorer window, click the files or folders that you want to
delete. For instructions on how to select multiple files and folders, see “Shortcuts” on
page 32.
If you cannot find the file you want to delete, see “Searching for files” on page 28.
2Click Organize, then click Delete. Windows moves the files and folders to the Recycle Bin.
To recover files or folders from the Recycle Bin:
1Double-click the Recycle Bin icon. The Recycle Bin window opens and lists the files and
folders you have thrown away since you last emptied it.
2Click the files or folders that you want to restore. For instructions on how to select multiple
files and folders, see “Shortcuts” on page 32.
3Click Restore. Windows returns the deleted files or folders to their original locations.
Help
For more information about copying files and folders or moving files or folders, click
Start, then click Help and Support. Type copying files and folders or moving files
and folders in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
CHAPTER 3: Using Windows Vista
28
To empty the Recycle Bin:
1Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop. The Recycle Bin window opens.
2Click Empty the Recycle Bin. Windows asks you if you are sure that you want to empty
the bin.
3Click Yes. Windows permanently deletes all files in the Recycle Bin.
Searching for files
If you are looking for a particular file or folder or a set of files or folders that have characteristics
in common, but you do not remember where they are stored on your hard drive, you can use
the Search utility. to search by:
Files and folders found using this utility can be opened, copied, cut, renamed, or deleted directly
from the list in the results window.
Using the Windows Search
To find files and folders using the Search:
1Click (Start), then click Search. The Search Results window opens.
2If you want to search on your computer by file or folder name, type in all or part of the
file or folder name in the Search box in the top right of the window.
•If you type all of the name, Search will list all files and folders of that name.
•If you type part of the name, Search will list all of the file and folder names containing the letters
you typed.
3Open a file, folder, or program by double-clicking the name in the list.
Caution
Emptying the Recycle Bin permanently erases any files or folders in the bin. These
files cannot be restored.
Help
For more information about emptying the Recycle Bin, click Start, then click Help
and Support. Type emptying the Recycle Bin in the Search Help box, then press
ENTER.
Help
For more information about searching for files and folders, click Start, then click Help
and Support. Type the keyword searching in the Search Help box, then click the
magnifying glass.
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29
Using advanced search options
Search can find files meeting more criteria than file name. You can narrow your search by
selecting the search options that you want. You can search by the:
•Name or part of a name
•Creation date
•Modification date
•File type
•Tag
•Author
•Text contained in the file
•Time period in which it was created or modified
You can also combine search criteria to refine searches.
Files and folders found using this utility can be opened, copied, cut, renamed, or deleted directly
from the list in the results window.
Browsing for files and folders
A file or folder that you need is rarely right on top of your Windows desktop. It is usually on a
drive inside a folder that may be inside yet another folder, and so on.
Windows drives, folders, and files are organized in the same way as a real file cabinet in that
they may have many levels (usually many more levels than a file cabinet, in fact). So you usually
will have to search through levels of folders to find the file or folder that you need. This is called
browsing.
To browse for a file:
1Click (Start), then click Computer. The Computer window opens.
2Double-click the drive or folder that you think contains the file or folder that you want to
find.
3Continue double-clicking folders and their subfolders until you find the file or folder you
want.
Working with documents
Computer documents include word processing files, spreadsheet files, or other similar files. The
basic methods of creating, saving, opening, and printing a document apply to most of these types
of files.
The following examples show how to create, save, open, and print a document using Microsoft®
WordPad. Similar procedures apply to other programs such as Corel® WordPerfect®, Microsoft
Word, and Microsoft Excel.
For more information about using a program, click Help on its menu bar.
Help
For more information about browsing for files and folders, click Start, then click Help
and Support. Type files and folders in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
CHAPTER 3: Using Windows Vista
30
Creating a new document
To create a new document:
1Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, then click WordPad. Microsoft WordPad starts
and a blank document opens.
2Begin composing your document. Use the menus and toolbar buttons at the top of the
window to format the document.
Saving a document
After you create a document, you need to save it if you want to use it later.
To save a document:
1Click File, then click Save. The Save As dialog box opens.
2Click Browse Folders to open the Folders list, then click the folder where you want to
save the file.
3Type a new file name in the File name box.
4Click Save.
Opening a document
To view, revise, or print an existing document, first you need to open it. Open the document in
the program that it was created in.
To open a document:
1Start the program.
2Click File, then click Open.
Help
For more information about saving documents, click Start, then click Help and
Support. Type saving in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
File name
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31
3Click Folders to open the Folders list, then click the folder you want to open.
4Double-click the document file name. The document opens.
Printing a document
To print a document, you must have a printer connected to your computer or have access to a
network printer. For more information about installing or using your printer, see the printer
documentation.
To print a document:
1Make sure that the printer is turned on and loaded with paper.
2Start the program and open the document.
3Click File, then click Print. The Print dialog box opens.
4Set the print options, then click Print. The document prints.
Help
For more information about opening documents, click Start, then click Help and
Support. Type opening files in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
Help
For more information about printing documents, click Start, then click Help and
Support. Type printing in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
CHAPTER 3: Using Windows Vista
32
Shortcuts
The following table shows a few shortcuts that you can use in Windows and almost all programs
that run in Windows. For more information about shortcuts, see your Windows or program
documentation.
Help
For more information about Windows keyboard shortcuts, click Start, then click Help and
Support. Type Windows keyboard shortcuts in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
To... Do this...
Copy a file, folder, text, or
graphic
Click the item, then press CTRL +C.
Paste a file, folder, text, or
graphic
Click inside the folder or window where you
want to paste the object, then press CTRL +V.
Select multiple items in a
list or window
Click the first item, press and hold down the
CTRL key, then click each of the remaining
items.
Select multiple adjacent
items in a list or window
Click the first item in the list, press and hold
down the SHIFT key, then click the last item in
the list.
Permanently delete a file
or folder
Click the file or folder, then press
SHIFT +DELETE. The file or folder is
permanently deleted. The file or folder is not
stored in the Recycle Bin.
Rename a file or folder Click the file or folder, press F2, type the new
name, then press ENTER.
Close the active window
or program
Press ALT +F4.
Switch to a different file,
folder, or running
program
Press ALT +TAB.
CHAPTER 4
33
Using the Internet
•Learning about the Internet
•Setting up an Internet account
•Using the World Wide Web
•Using e-mail
CHAPTER 4: Using the Internet
34
Learning about the Internet
The Internet is a worldwide network of computers linked together to provide information to
people everywhere. The two most popular services on the Internet are e-mail and the World Wide
Web. You can access this network by connecting your computer to a telephone, DSL (Digital
Subscriber Line), or cable television line and signing up with an Internet service provider (ISP).
If you want to access the Internet you need:
•A modem—a device that connects your computer to other computers or servers using a
telephone, DSL, or cable television line. Your computer may have a built-in dial-up
telephone modem. Cable and DSL modems connect to your computer through an Ethernet
jack and provide a faster connection speed than a standard telephone modem.
•An Internet service provider—a company that provides access to the Internet through an
ISP server. When you connect to an ISP, the ISP server lets you access the Internet and your
e-mail messages. Check your telephone book for a list of Internet service providers available
locally.
•A Web browser—a program that displays information from the World Wide Web. Microsoft
Internet Explorer was included with your computer. For more information, see “Using the
World Wide Web” on page 35.
•An e-mail program—a program that lets you create, send, and receive e-mail messages
over the Internet. Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express was included with your computer.
For more information, see “Using e-mail” on page 37.
Important
To determine if you have an Ethernet jack on your computer, see your computer’s
hardware reference. If you do not have an Ethernet jack on your computer and would like
to purchase an Ethernet card, visit the Accessory Store at www.gateway.com.
Your computer
connects to the Internet
through an ISP.
ISP Servers
let you connect to the
Internet and access your
e-mail messages.
Internet Servers
store information so other computers can
access it from the Internet.
www.gateway.com
35
Setting up an Internet account
Before you can view the information on the World Wide Web, you need to set up an Internet
account with an Internet service provider (ISP). To set up an ISP service or to transfer an existing
account to this computer, contact the ISP directly.
Dial-up Internet connections are those using a telephone system to connect to the Internet. This
may include ordinary analog telephone lines, ISDN connections, and in some cases ADSL over
PPP, or other technologies. Because dial-up connections are designed to be temporary
connections to the Internet, dial-up charges (with both your telephone company and Internet
service provider) often increase the longer you connect to the Internet. To minimize the cost for
dial-up Internet users, we suggest that you only connect to the Internet during your e-mail and
Web browsing session, then disconnect when you are finished. Your Internet service provider
can provide instructions on how to connect to and disconnect from the Internet.
Cable and DSL modems, a connection known as broadband, use your cable television or special
telephone lines to connect to your ISP and access the Internet. In many instances, broadband is
considered an always-connected service. With this type of service, your cost is the same
regardless of the amount of time you use your Internet connection.
Accessing your Internet account
The method you use to access your Internet account varies from ISP to ISP. Contact your ISP for
the correct procedure.
Using the World Wide Web
The World Wide Web is a multimedia window to the Internet that gives you access to millions
of information sources.
Information on the Web comes to you on Web pages, which are electronic documents that you
view using a Web page display program called a browser. You can use any of the commercially
available Web browsers, like Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.
Web pages can contain text, animations, music, and other multimedia features. A group of related
Web pages is called a Web site. You can access Web sites to shop, track investments, read the
news, download programs, and much more.
You can explore a Web site or visit other Web sites by clicking areas on a Web page called links
or hyperlinks. A link may be colored or underlined text, a picture, or an animated image. You
can identify a link by moving the mouse pointer over it. If the pointer changes to a hand, the
item is a link.
Help
For general information about using Internet accounts, click Start, then click Help
and Support. Type the ISP in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
CHAPTER 4: Using the Internet
36
To learn more about using the Web browser features, click Help in the menu bar.
Connecting to a Web site
After you set up an account with an Internet service provider (ISP), you can access the many
information sources on the World Wide Web.
To connect to a Web site:
1Connect to your Internet account.
2Depending on the method you use to connect to your Internet account, you may need to
start your Web browser. Click (Start), then click Internet. Your default Web browser
opens showing an opening page or welcome screen.
3To go to a different Web site, type the address (called a URL for “Universal Resource
Locator”) in the browser address bar (for example www.gateway.com), then click GO
on the browser address bar.
- OR -
On the current Web page, click a link to a Web site.
The Web browser locates the server computer on the Internet, downloads (transfers) data
to your computer, and displays the page on the site that you requested.
Sometimes Web pages display slowly. The speed that a Web page displays on your screen
depends on the complexity of the Web page and other Internet conditions. Additionally, the speed
of your connection will determine how fast Web pages display.
Help
For more information about connecting to a Web site, click Start, then click
Help and Support. Type connecting to a Web site in the Search Help box,
then press ENTER.
Web
page
Link
Linked Web page
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37
Downloading files
Downloading is the process of transferring files from a computer on the Internet to your
computer.
To download files or programs from a Web site:
1Connect to your Internet account.
2In the address bar, type the address of the Web site that contains the file or program you
want to download, then press ENTER.
- OR -
Click a link on a Web page to navigate to the Web site containing the file that you want
to download.
3Create or locate the folder where you want to store the file on your computer. For more
information, see “Working with files and folders” on page 25.
4Click the link on the Web page for the file that you want to download.
5Follow the on-screen instructions for saving the file in the folder that you want. A copy
of the file is downloaded to your computer. The time that it takes to transfer the file to
your computer depends on file size and Internet conditions.
6Open the folder that you created.
7Install or view the downloaded file by double-clicking it. If applicable, follow the instructions
provided on the Web site to run or install the program.
Using e-mail
E-mail (electronic mail) lets you send messages to anyone who has an Internet connection and
e-mail address. E-mail is usually a free service of your Internet account.
The Internet never closes, so you can send e-mail messages at any time. Your e-mail messages
arrive at most e-mail addresses in minutes.
An e-mail address consists of a user name, the @ symbol, and the Internet domain name of the
Internet service provider (ISP) or company that “hosts” that user. Your e-mail address is assigned
when you sign up for an account with an ISP. For example, a person with an account with Hotmail
might have an e-mail address that is similar to this one:
Caution
To protect your computer against viruses, make sure that you scan the files you
download. For more information, see “Protecting your computer from viruses” on page 97.
Help
For more information about downloading files, click Start, then click Help
and Support. Type the downloading files in the Search Help box , then click
ENTER.
jdoe@hotmail.com
User name Internet domain name
CHAPTER 4: Using the Internet
38
Sending e-mail
To send e-mail using Windows Mail:
1Connect to your Internet service provider.
2Click (Start), then click E-mail. Your default e-mail program opens.
3Click Create Mail.
4Type the e-mail address of the recipient you want to send e-mail to in the To box.
5Type the subject of your e-mail in the Subject box.
6Type the e-mail message.
7When finished, click Send. Your e-mail is sent over the Internet to the e-mail address you
specified.
Checking your e-mail
To check your e-mail using Windows Mail:
1Connect to your Internet service provider.
2Click (Start), then click E-Mail. Your default e-mail program opens.
3Click Send/Receive.
4Double-click the message you want to read.
For more information about managing and organizing your e-mail messages, see the online help
in your e-mail program.
Tip
Most e-mail programs let you attach files, such as photographs, to your
e-mail. For more information, see the help for your e-mail program.
Help
For general information about using e-mail, click Start, then click Help
and Support. Type the e-mail in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
Tip
To protect your computer from viruses, check any e-mail attachments using McAfee
SecurityCenter. For more information, see “Protecting your computer from viruses” on
page 97.
CHAPTER 5
39
Sending and Receiving Faxes
•Using Windows Fax and Scan
•Faxing a scanned document or from programs
•Receiving and viewing a fax
CHAPTER 5: Sending and Receiving Faxes
40
Using Windows Fax and Scan
Windows Fax and Scan comes pre-installed with Windows Vista Business, Enterprise, or Ultimate
Editions. If your computer has a built-in fax modem, Windows automatically detects it during
the setup process. You can connect your computer to one local fax modem, although you can
connect to multiple fax servers or devices on a network. If you are not sure whether your
computer has a built-in fax modem, check the hardware information that came with your
computer. If you have an external fax modem, follow the manufacturer's instructions for
attaching it to your computer. Make sure that the modem is turned on before proceeding.
Your fax cover page, on which you can include all required information, is set up when you
prepare to send the first fax from this computer.
You cannot send or receive a fax using a cable or DSL modem by following these instructions.
Many Internet services exist that let you send or receive faxes using a broadband connection.
Your dial-up modem cable must be installed before you can send and receive faxes. You cannot
use your standard telephone modem to connect to the Internet while sending and receiving faxes.
Sending a Fax
Microsoft Fax lets you send and receive faxes using your dial-up modem.
To send a Fax:
1Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Fax and Scan. Windows Fax and Scan
opens.
2If Windows Fax and Scan is in Scan view, click Fax in the lower left corner of the window.
3If you have never sent a fax on this computer before, click New Fax on the toolbar. The
Fax Setup window opens.
4Click the type of connection you will be using (fax modem or fax server). The Choose a
modem name screen opens.
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41
5Type the name of the fax modem in the dialog box, then click Next. The Choose how to
receive faxes screen opens.
6Click how you want to receive faxes, then click Unblock when the The Security Alert
window opens. The New Fax window opens.
7Create your fax, then open the Cover Page menu by clicking the arrow and selecting a
cover page from the list. The Sender Information dialog box opens.
8Type your information in the spaces provided, then click OK. The New Fax dialog box opens.
CHAPTER 5: Sending and Receiving Faxes
42
9To enter optional dialing rule information, click Dialing Rule and select a rule from the
menu. If you have not set up a dialing rule, select New Rule from the menu. The Location
Information dialog box opens.
10 Type your location information, then click OK. The Dialing Rules dialog box opens.
11 Highlight your location, then click Edit. The Edit Location dialog box opens.
12 Complete the location information, then click OK. You are returned to the Dialing Rules
dialog box.
13 Click OK. The New Fax dialog box opens.
14 Enter, scan, or attach the fax information you want to send, then click Send.
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Setting up your cover page template
You can create your own cover page template that you can use in place of the cover page
templates that Microsoft Fax provides for you. To create a cover page template, you use the
Fax Cover Page Editor. On this template, you insert information fields that automatically import
values you enter in both the Send Fax Wizard and the Fax Configuration Wizard when you send
your fax.
To set up your fax cover page template:
1Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Fax and Scan. Windows Fax and Scan
opens.
2If Windows Fax and Scan is in Scan view, click Fax in the lower left corner of the window.
3Click Tools, Cover Pages, then click New. The Fax Cover Page Editor opens.
•If you want to include fields that are imported from the Send Fax Wizard or the Fax
Configuration Wizard (such as To or From), add them to the page by using the Insert
menu, then move them to the appropriate place on your template. You can also use
the Insert menu to include information that is automatically calculated (such as number
of pages or date and time sent).
•If you want to include text that always appears on your cover page (such as a
letterhead or address), draw a box using the text box tool, type your text inside of it,
then move the box to the appropriate place on your template.
•If you want to include a logo that appears on your cover page, copy it to the Windows
clipboard, then paste it into the Cover Page Editor and move it to the appropriate place
on your template.
4To save your cover page template, click File, then click Save. The Save As dialog box opens
with your personal cover pages folder already in the Save in list.
5Type the new cover page template name, then click Save.
Faxing a scanned document or from programs
To fax a scanned document or directly from most programs:
1Scan the document using the program for your scanner, or open your document in the
program it was created in.
2Click File, then click Print. The Print dialog box opens.
3Click the arrow button to open the Name list, then click the Fax printer.
4Click Print. The Send Fax Wizard opens.
5Complete the wizard by following the instructions in “Sending a Fax” on page 40, or “Faxing
a scanned document or from programs” on page 43.
CHAPTER 5: Sending and Receiving Faxes
44
Canceling a fax
You can cancel a fax that you have set up to send at a time in the future.
To cancel a fax that has not been sent:
1Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Fax and Scan. Windows Fax and Scan
opens.
2If Windows Fax and Scan is in Scan view, click Fax in the lower left corner of the window.
3Click Outbox, then right-click the fax you want to cancel.
4Click Delete to cancel the fax.
5Click Yes.
Receiving and viewing a fax
To receive and view a fax:
1Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Fax and Scan. Windows Fax and Scan
opens.
2If Windows Fax and Scan is in Scan view, click Fax in the lower left corner of the window.
3To view a fax, click Inbox, then double-click the fax you want to view. The fax viewer
opens, where you can view and print the fax.
CHAPTER 6
45
Using Your Hardware
•Using the diskette drive
•Using the CD or DVD drive
•Using the memory card reader
•Configuring the audio jacks
•Connecting a projector or monitor
•Connecting a television
•Connecting a video camera
CHAPTER 6: Using Your Hardware
46
Using the diskette drive
The optional diskette drive uses 3.5-inch diskettes (sometimes called floppy disks). Diskettes are
useful for storing files or transferring files to another computer.
To use a diskette:
1Insert the diskette into the diskette drive with the label facing up or right, depending on
your configuration.
2To access a file on the diskette, click (Start), then click Computer. Double-click the drive
letter (for example, the A: drive), then double-click the file name.
3To remove the diskette, make sure that the drive activity light is off, then press the diskette
eject button.
Using the CD or DVD drive
You can use your computer to enjoy a wide variety of multimedia features.
Identifying drive types
Your Gateway computer may contain one of the following drive types. Look on the front of the
drive for one or more of the following logos:
If your drive has this logo... This is your drive type... Use your drive for...
CD drive
Installing programs, playing
audio CDs, and accessing
data.
CD-RW drive
Installing programs, playing
audio CDs, accessing data,
and creating CDs.
DVD/CD-RW drive
Installing programs, playing
audio CDs, accessing data,
creating CDs, and playing
DVDs.
DVD drive
Installing programs, playing
audio CDs, playing DVDs,
and accessing data.
Drive activity light Eject button
Diskette slot
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Inserting a CD or DVD
To insert a CD or DVD:
1Press the eject button on the CD or DVD drive.
2Place the disc in the tray on the spindle so that the label is up or to the right, depending
on your configuration.
3Press the eject button to close the tray.
DVD+RW
Installing programs, playing
audio CDs, playing DVDs,
accessing data, creating
CDs, and recording video
and data to DVD+R or
DVD+RW discs.
DVD R/RW drive
Installing programs, playing
audio CDs, playing DVDs,
accessing data, creating
CDs, and recording video
and data to DVD+R,
DVD+RW, DVD-R, and
DVD-RW discs.
Important
Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may not be able to play these
CDs on your computer.
Important
When you place a single-sided disc in the tray, make sure that the label side
is up or to the right. If the disc has two playable sides, place the disc so the name
of the side you want to play is up or to the right.
If your drive has this logo... This is your drive type... Use your drive for...
Activity indicator
(location varies) Eject button
Manual eject hole
(location varies)
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Using the memory card reader
You can use the optional memory card reader to transfer pictures from a digital camera to your
computer. You can also use the memory card reader to transfer data between your computer
and a device that uses memory cards, such as a PDA, MP3 player, or cellular telephone.
Memory card types
The memory card reader supports the following card types:
Each slot is assigned a different drive letter (for example, the E: and F: drives) so data can be
transferred from one memory card type to another.
Using a memory card
To insert a memory card:
1Insert the memory card into the memory card slot as indicated in the previous table.
2To access a file on the memory card, click (Start), then click Computer. Double-click
the drive letter (for example, the E: drive), then double-click the file name.
Card Type Slot Insert
Secure Digital™top right Label facing up
MultiMediaCard™top right Label facing up
SM (SmartMedia™)top left Label facing down (gold
contact area facing up)
Memory Stick®bottom right Label facing up
Memory Stick PRO™bottom right Label facing up
xD (optional) top left Label facing up
CompactFlash®bottom left Label facing up
IBM Microdrive™bottom left Label facing up
Caution
To avoid memory card damage or errors while using a memory card, insert only
one memory card in a slot at a time.
Caution
Do not remove the memory card or turn off the computer while the memory
card reader access indicator is blinking. You could lose data. Also, remove the
memory card from the reader before you turn off the computer.
Memory card slot
Activity indicator
Memory card slot
Memory card slot
Memory card slot
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To remove a memory card:
•Wait for the memory card reader access indicator to stop blinking, then pull the memory
card out of the slot.
Configuring the audio jacks
If the back of your computer has five audio jacks, they are universal jacks (which use a round
mini-jack connector). The five jacks can be used for more than one purpose. For example, the
blue jack on the computer can be a stereo in jack or a stereo out jack. For more information on
how each jack can be used, see “Back” on page 9. To use the universal audio jacks for something
other than the default audio device, you need to configure them.
To configure the universal audio jacks:
1Connect your audio device(s) to the computer audio jack(s).
2Click (Start), then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
3Click Hardware and Sounds, then click Sound. The Sound dialog box opens.
4Click the Playback, then double-click the speakers.
-OR-
If your computer has the Realtek Sound Effect Manager installed, double-click the Sound
Effect Manager icon on the taskbar. The Realtek dialog box opens.
5Configure the audio jacks for your speaker setup.
Connecting a projector or monitor
If your computer’s video card supports it (it must have two video connections), you can connect
an additional monitor or projector to your computer.
To use a projector or additional monitor:
1Turn off your computer.
2Plug the projector or monitor cable into the secondary VGA port on your computer.
3Turn on your computer.
4Plug the projector or monitor power cord into an AC power outlet, then turn it on. Windows
recognizes the new hardware and searches for its driver. You may need to install the driver
from the disc supplied by the manufacturer or download the driver from the
manufacturer’s Web site.
5After the driver is installed, right-click any empty space on the desktop, then click
Prersonalize. The Personalization menu opens.
Important
Do not use the remove hardware icon in the taskbar to remove the
memory card.
Important
The dialog boxes shown in this section are examples only and may not represent
the actual screens on your computer.
Tip
For the location of the VGA port on your computer, see “Back” on page 9
or the setup poster.
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6Click Display Settings. The Display Settings window opens.
7Right-click the second monitor icon (labeled 2), then click Attached.
8Click Apply.
9Adjust properties such as Resolution or Colors if necessary.
10 Click OK.
Connecting a television
The Video out or S-Video out jack on your computer lets you view your display on a television
screen using a standard RCA or S-Video cable.
To view your computer display on a television:
1With your computer off, connect one end of an appropriate video cable to the Video out
or S-Video out jack on your computer.
2Connect the other end of the cable to the Video in jack on your television or VCR.
3Turn on the television or VCR.
4Start your computer. You should see Windows on your television
Important
The TV out feature is available only on computers that have a Video out or S-Video
out jack.
Important
The dialog boxes shown in this section are examples only and may not represent
the actual screens on your computer.
Important
To turn on external video by default, connect the television (or other external video
device) before starting your computer.
Important
Audio is not transmitted through the Video out or S-Video out jacks. Use a set of
headphones or external powered speakers to hear sound while playing a DVD. DVD
playback to a VCR will be scrambled by copyright protection software.
Tip
For the location of the video jacks on your computer, see “Back” on page 9
or the setup poster.
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Modifying television settings
To modify television settings:
1Right-click any empty space on the desktop, then click Prersonalize. The Personalization
menu opens.
2Click Display Settings. The Display Settings window opens.
3Open the menu in the center of the window and click on the television.
4Modify the settings as necessary, then click OK.
Connecting a video camera
If your home video camera supports it, it can be connected to your computer so that you can
download video from the camera as data files. You can also create video from a Web cam attached
to your computer. For instructions on how to create video, see your camera’s user guide.
CHAPTER 6: Using Your Hardware
52
CHAPTER 7
53
Using Your Software
•Playing music and movies
•Creating audio files and music libraries
•Creating music CDs and video DVDs
•Creating and copying data discs
•Using Windows Media Center
CHAPTER 7: Using Your Software
54
Playing music and movies
Playing audio and video files
Windows Media Player can play several types of audio and video files, including WAV, MIDI, MP3,
AU, AVI, and MPEG formats.
To play a file using Windows Media Player:
1Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player
opens.
2Click Library, then double-click the media file you want to play.
Shortcut
Start Ö Computer Ö find the file Ö double-click the file
Media libraryPlayback controls
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3Click one of the following to control playback:
•Shuffle randomizes the playback order of the files in the playlist.
•Repeat starts playing the list over again after it reaches the end.
•Stop stops playback and rewinds the current file to the beginning.
•Rewind quickly rewinds the current file (when you click and hold it) or skips to the
previous file in the playlist (when you click it).
•Pause/Play alternately pauses and resumes playback.
•Fast forward quickly fast forwards the current file (when you click and hold it) or
skips to the next file in the playlist (when you click it).
•Volume adjusts the volume.
Playing optical discs
Optical discs are flat discs that use a laser to read and write data. CDs, DVDs, HD-DVDs, and Blu-ray
Discs are all optical discs.
Playing an optical disc using Windows Media Player
Use Windows Media Player to listen to CDs or watch movies on DVDs, HD-DVDs, or Blu-ray Discs.
To play an optical disc:
1Make sure that the speakers are turned on or headphones are plugged in and that the
volume is turned up.
2Insert an optical disc into the optical disc drive.
Important
Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may not be able to play these
CDs on your computer.
To watch a DVD you must have a DVD-compatible drive in your computer. If you do not
have a DVD-compatible drive and would like to add an internal or external drive, visit the
Accessory Store at www.gateway.com.
Help
For more information about playing optical discs, click Start, then click Help and
Support. Type playing discs in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
Shortcut
Insert disc Ö Windows Media Player automatically plays
Shuffle Stop
Rewind
Pause/Play
Fast forward Volume
Mute
Repeat
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56
3If a dialog box opens and asks you what you want the computer to do with the disc, click
Play. Windows Media Player opens and begins playing the disc.
If Windows Media Player does not open automatically, click (Start), All Programs, then
click Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player opens.
4If the disc is not already playing, click (play).
Video screen
Playback controls
Playlist
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5Click one of the following to control playback:
•Shuffle randomizes the playback order of the files in the playlist.
•Repeat starts playing the list over again after it reaches the end.
•Stop stops playback and rewinds the current file to the beginning.
•Rewind quickly rewinds the current file (when you click and hold it) or skips to the
previous file in the playlist (when you click it).
•Pause/Play alternately pauses and resumes playback.
•Fast forward quickly fast forwards the current file (when you click and hold it) or
skips to the next file in the playlist (when you click it).
•Volume adjusts the volume.
Creating audio files and music libraries
Creating music files
You can create several types of audio files for your listening enjoyment, including WAV, MP3,
and WMA files.
Recording audio files
Sound recorder is a simple Windows program that lets you record and play audio files. For
information about playing audio files, see “Playing audio and video files” on page 54.
To record an audio file:
1Plug a microphone into one of the microphone jacks on your computer. For the location
of the microphone jacks, see “Back” on page 7.
2Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, then click Sound Recorder. The
Sound Recorder opens.
3Click Start Recording, then speak or make other sounds into the microphone.
Help
For more information about making or playing an audio recording, click Start, then
click Help and Support. Type recording audio or ripping in the Search Help box,
then press ENTER.
Shortcut
Start Ö All Programs Ö Accessories Ö Sound Recorder
Shuffle Stop
Rewind
Pause/Play
Fast forward Volume
Mute
Repeat
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58
4When you finish recording, click Stop Recording. The Save As dialog box opens.
5Type a name for the recording, specify the file type and location where you want to save
the recording, then click Save. The recording is saved.
Creating WMA music files
Using Windows Media Player, you can copy the tracks from a music CD to your computer’s hard
drive as WMA files. WMA are methods for digitally compressing high-fidelity music into compact
files without noticeably sacrificing quality. WMA files end in the file extension WMA.
To create WMA files:
1Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player
opens.
2Insert a music CD into your optical disc drive.
3Click the Rip tab. The Rip screen opens.
4Click to clear the check box for any track you do not want to record, then click Start Rip.
Windows Media Player records the tracks to your hard drive as WMA files. A progress bar
appears next to each track as it is recorded.
Important
Some music CDs have copy protection software. You cannot copy tracks from
copy-protected CDs.
Tip
For more information about ripping music from CDs, click the Rip tab, then
click Help with Ripping.
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Building a music library
Use Windows Media Player to build a music library. You can organize your music tracks (individual
MP3 or WMA audio files) by categories, find a track quickly by sorting, and add information to
a music file.
You can add music tracks to your music library by:
•Creating MP3 or WMA files—When you create MP3 or WMA files from the tracks on your
music CD, Windows Media Player automatically adds these files to your music library.
•Dragging and Dropping—Drag and drop files from Windows Explorer or your desktop
to the music library.
•Downloading files from the Internet—When you are connected to the Internet, WMA
and MP3 files that you download are automatically added to your music library.
Editing track information
After you add a WMA or MP3 file to your music library, you can edit the track’s tags
(informational fields).
To edit track information:
1Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player
opens.
2Click the Library tab.
3Right-click the track or album you want to edit, then click Advanced Tag Editor. The
Advanced Tag Editor dialog box opens.
4Enter track information such as Title, Artist, Album, and Genre, then click OK. The new
track information appears in the Windows Media Player library.
Caution
During the download process, WMA and MP3 files may become corrupt. If
you are having trouble playing a downloaded file, try downloading the file again.
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Creating music CDs and video DVDs
Creating a music CD
Creating a music CD using Windows Media Player
To create a music CD using Windows Media Player:
1Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player
opens.
2Insert a blank, writable CD into your recordable disc drive.
3Click the Burn tab, then click and drag songs that you want to burn to CD from the Library
to the Burn List.
4Click Start Burn. The music is recorded onto the blank CD.
Important
We recommend that you do not use your computer for other tasks while creating
CDs or DVDs.
If you record copyrighted material on a CD or DVD, you need permission from the copyright
owner. Otherwise, you may be violating copyright law and be subject to payment of
damages and other remedies. If you are uncertain about your rights, contact your legal
advisor
Library Burn List
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Creating a video DVD
Creating a video DVD using Windows DVD Maker
If your computer has Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate Edition, you can
create video DVDs using Windows DVD Maker.
To create a video DVD using Windows DVD Maker:
1Insert a blank, writeable DVD into your recordable optical disc drive.
2Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows DVD Maker. The Windows DVD Maker
introduction window opens.
3Click Choose Photos and Videos. The main screen opens.
Important
We recommend that you do not use your computer for other tasks while
creating CDs or DVDs.
If you record copyrighted material on a CD or DVD, you need permission from the
copyright owner. Otherwise, you may be violating copyright law and be subject
to payment of damages and other remedies. If you are uncertain about your rights,
contact your legal advisor.
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62
4Click Add items. The Add Items to DVD dialog box opens.
5Find and select the videos you want to add to the video DVD, then click Add. The videos
are added to the video list, and a graphic in the lower left corner of the window shows
you how much disc capacity will be used.
6Click Next. The Ready to burn disc dialog box opens.
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7Click any of the following options to customize your video disc:
•Preview shows how your DVD’s opening menu will look using the current settings.
•Menu text changes the disc title, font, and button names.
•Customize menu changes the menu fonts, background and foreground videos, audio
track, and button styles.
•Slide show creates a slide show from photo files.
8Click Burn. Your DVD is recorded.
Creating and copying data discs
You can burn two types of data discs:
•Live File System writes files immediately to the recordable disc, making it a one-step
process like copying files to a flash drive. Windows XP and later versions of Windows
support this feature.
•Mastered copies files to a temporary folder before you tell the computer to burn the files
to the disc. Although this is a slower process than Live File System, the resulting disc is
compatible with all operating systems.
The instructions below show you how to burn a disc using the Mastered format, which can be
read by all personal computers, regardless of the operating system installed.
Creating a data disc
To create a data disc:
1Insert a blank, writable optical disc into your optical disc drive. The Autoplay dialog box
opens.
2Click Burn files to disc. The Prepare this blank disc dialog box opens.
3Type the title of the disc, then click Show formatting options.
4Click Mastered, then click Next. An empty folder opens.
5Open the folder that contains the files you want to burn to disc, then click and drag the
files to the empty disc folder.
6Click Burn to disc. The files are burned to the disc.
Help
For information about burning a disc using the Live File System format, click Start,
then click Help and Support. Type live file system in the Search Help box, then
press ENTER.
Important
Some CDs have copy protection software. You cannot create MP3 files from
these CDs and you may not be able to listen to these CDs on your computer.
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Using Windows Media Center
If your computer has Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate Edition, you can
use Windows Media Center to watch TV, videos, and movies, listen to music, and view photos.
Media Center is a simplified, streamlined interface that is ideally suited for playing and managing
media files.
Because the remote control is an optional accessory, most instructions in this section assume
you are using a mouse to navigate the Media Center menus.
Starting Windows Media Center
To start Windows Media Center:
1Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Media Center.
- OR -
Press the Start button on the remote control.
The first time you start Windows Media Center, the Welcome screen opens.
2For the easiest setup, click Express setup, then click OK. The Windows Media Center’s main
screen opens.
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3Use the remote control navigation buttons to select a Media Center menu option, then
press OK.
•TV + Movies lets you play TV programs you have recorded, play a DVD or Blu-ray
movie, or set up your TV tuner card (if installed).
•Online Media lets you play online games.
•Tasks lets you set up your display and media types, shut down or restart your
computer, burn an optical disc (CD or DVD), and synchronize with another digital media
device (such as an MP3 player).
•Pictures + Videos lets you view individual pictures, pictures in a slideshow, or select
movies from your video library.
•Music lets you select songs from your music library, set up and use your FM radio
tuner card (if installed), and play music playlists.
4To exit Windows Media Center, click the X in the upper-right corner of the screen.
Using the Media Center remote control
You can use the optional remote control to play all of your media files from across the room.
(The remote control included with your computer may look different from that shown below.)
Shortcut buttons
Start button
Audio/Video (A/V) control buttons
Numeric keypad/data entry buttons
Power button
Transport buttons
Navigation buttons
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Button(s) Functions
Shortcut buttons Give you direct access to Media Center features.
Start button Opens the Media Center’s main menu.
Audio/Video (A/V) control
buttons
Lets you control volume levels, volume mute, channel selections, and
the movie menu.
Numeric keypad/data entry
button
Lets you enter numbers and characters from the remote control.
Power button Puts the Media Center computer in Sleep mode (reduced power).
Transport buttons Let you control the playback of media files and optical discs.
Navigation buttons Let you move the cursor around the Guide and menus, make selections,
navigate back to the previous screen, change the screen display aspect
ratio, and get more information. Press the OK button to make a
selection.
CHAPTER 8
67
Customizing Windows
•Changing screen settings
•Changing system sounds
•Changing mouse settings
•Adding and modifying user accounts
•Changing power-saving settings
•Changing accessibility settings
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Changing screen settings
Adjusting the color depth and screen area are two of the most basic display settings you may
need to change. You can also adjust settings such as the screen background and screen saver.
Changing color depth and screen resolution
Color depth and screen resolution are two of the most basic monitor settings you may need to
change to suit your needs.
Color depth is the number of colors your computer uses to display images on your monitor. Most
images look best displayed with the maximum number of colors available. If the color in your
images seems “false” or “jumpy,” especially after you have played a game or run a video-intensive
program, check the color depth setting and return it to the highest color setting, if necessary.
Screen resolution is the number of pixels (individual colored dots) your computer uses to display
images on your monitor. The higher the resolution, the more information and screen components
(such as icons and menu bars) can be displayed on the monitor.
To change the color depth or screen resolution:
1Click (Start), Control Panel, then under Appearance and Personalization, click Adjust
Screen Resolution. The Display Settings dialog box opens.
2To change the color depth, click the Colors list, then click the color depth you want.
•Low (8-bit) = 256 colors
•Medium (16-bit) = 65,500 colors
•Highest (32-bit) = 16,700,000 colors
3To change the screen resolution, drag the Resolution slider to the size you prefer.
4Click Apply. If the new settings do not look right, click No. If the new settings make the
screen illegible and you cannot click No, the settings return to their previous values after
several seconds.
5Click OK, then click Yes to save your changes.
Tip
If you are using a monitor, you can adjust the screen settings for brightness, contrast,
and horizontal and vertical image position using the controls on the front or side of your
monitor. For more information about these adjustments, see your monitor’s user guide.
Help
For more information about adjusting the screen, click Start, then click Help and
Support. Type adjusting monitor settings in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
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Changing the appearance of windows and backgrounds
You can change the appearance of Windows desktop items, such as the colors of windows and
dialog boxes and the color and design of the desktop background.
To change Window colors and effects:
1Click (Start), Control Panel, then under Appearance and Personalization, click
Customize colors. The Window Color and Appearance dialog box opens.
2Click one of the color choices and adjust the Color intensity slider, then click OK. Your
new color settings are applied.
3For even more color adjustment options, such as color schemes, shading effects, and screen
fonts, click (Start), Control Panel, then under Appearance and Personalization, click
Change the color scheme. Change the setting you want, then click OK.
To change the Windows desktop background:
1Click (Start), Control Panel, then under Appearance and Personalization, click
Change desktop background. The Choose a desktop background dialog box opens.
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2Click the Picture Location list, then click the location where you want to look for
background images. If the location you want is not in the list, click Browse and locate the
drive and folder.
3Click the picture or color you want to use for the background, then click OK.
Selecting a screen saver
You can use a screen saver to keep others from viewing your screen while you are away from
your computer. Windows supplies a variety of screen savers that you can choose from, and many
more are available from the Internet and as commercial products.
To select a screen saver:
1Click (Start), Control Panel, Appearance and Personalization, then click Change
screen saver. The Screen Saver Settings dialog box opens.
2Click the Screen saver list, then click the screen saver you want to use. An example of
the screen saver plays on the preview screen.
•To change the settings for the screen saver, click Settings, change the settings, then
click OK.
•To see a full-screen preview of the screen saver, click Preview.
•To change the length of computer inactivity time that passes before the screen saver
starts, change the number of minutes in the Wait box.
3Click OK. Your screen saver changes are applied.
Caution
If you are using a monitor (not a flat-panel display), an image may get burned in
on your monitor screen if you leave your computer on for long periods of time without
using it. You should use a screen saver which constantly changes its image to avoid this
damage. Flat panel displays cannot be damaged with image burn-in.
Help
For more information about selecting a screen saver, click Start, then click
Help and Support. Type screen savers in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
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Changing gadgets
Gadgets are constantly running mini-programs that are visible on your Windows desktop. They
can be moved, removed, resized, and configured according to your preference. Although you
can position them anywhere on your desktop, gadgets are usually visible on the right edge of
your screen in the Sidebar.
Gadgets can include:
•Clocks and timers
•News feeds, weather forecasts, and stock tickers
•Slide shows and puzzles
•Calendars and contact lists
•Sticky notes
To add a gadget:
1Click the + at the top of the Sidebar, or right-click in an empty area of the Sidebar and
click Add Gadgets. The gadget selection window opens.
2Click the gadget you want, then drag it to the Sidebar.
To configure a gadget:
1In the Sidebar, right-click the gadget, then click Options. The gadget’s configuration
window opens.
2Make the changes you want, then click OK. Your changes are saved.
Tip
To shop online for more gadgets, click Get more gadgets online.
To delete a gadget, right-click the gadget, then click Close Gadget.
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Using a gadget’s control panel
Some gadgets have built-in control panels that you can use to control their behavior.
To use a gadget’s control panel:
1In the Sidebar, hold the mouse pointer over the gadget. The gadget’s built-in control panel
appears on the gadget. (Slideshow gadget shown)
2Click the control you want to operate.
Configuring the gadget Sidebar
You can change the appearance and behavior of the Sidebar.
To change Sidebar properties:
1Right-click in an empty area of the Sidebar, then click Properties. The Windows Sidebar
Properties dialog box opens.
You can change:
•Whether the Sidebar starts each time Windows starts
•Whether the Sidebar is always on top of other windows (always visible)
•The side of the screen the sidebar appears on
•The monitor that the sidebar appears on (if you have multiple monitors)
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Setting up multiple monitors
If your computer’s video card supports additional monitors (it must have two video connections),
you can connect an additional monitor or projector to your computer.
You can use the second monitor or projector as a duplicate of the primary display, or as an
extension to roughly double the size of your Windows desktop. Use the additional desktop space
to accommodate additional windows.
To use a projector or additional monitor:
1Turn off your computer.
2Plug the projector or monitor cable into the secondary monitor port on your computer.
For the location of the monitor port on your computer, see the setup poster or your
Reference Guide.
3Plug the projector’s or monitor’s power cord into an AC power outlet, then turn it on.
4Turn on your computer. Windows recognizes the new hardware and searches for its driver.
You may need to install the driver from the disc supplied by the manufacturer or download
the driver from the manufacturer’s Web site.
5After the driver is installed, click (Start), Control Panel, Appearance and
Personalization, Personalization, then click Display Settings. The Display Settings dialog
box opens.
6Right-click the second monitor icon (labeled 2), click Attached, then click Apply.
7Adjust properties such as Screen Resolution or Color Quality if necessary.
8To use the second monitor or projector as a “mirror” (duplicate) of the primary monitor
(both monitors have the same content), click to deselect the check box for Extend my
Windows desktop onto this monitor.
9To use the second monitor or projector as an extension of your desktop (increasing the
size of your Windows desktop), click to select the check box for Extend my Windows
desktop onto this monitor. You can click and drag the “2” monitor icon to position it
the same way the physical monitor is arranged on your desk.
Important
The dialog boxes shown in this section are for demonstrative purposes only and
may not represent the screens on your computer.
Shortcut
Right-click an empty space on the desktop, click Personalize, then click
Display Settings.
Tip
To help identify your multiple monitors in the Display Settings dialog box,
click Identify Monitors. A large number appears on the screen of each monitor.
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10 Click OK.
Changing system sounds
You can change the sounds that play for system events, such as Windows startup and shut down,
logging on and logging off, window maximizing and minimizing, and error messages.
To change system sounds:
1Click (Start), Control Panel, Hardware and Sound, then under Sound, click Change
system sounds. The Sound dialog box opens.
2Click the Sound Scheme list, then click the sound scheme you want.
- OR -
Click an event in the Program list, then click the Sounds list and click the sound file you
want associated with the event. If you do not see the sound file in the Sounds list, click
Browse and find the file in the appropriate folder.
3To test a sound you have selected, click Test.
4Click OK to save your changes.
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Changing mouse settings
You can adjust the double-click speed, pointer speed, left-hand or right-hand configuration, and
other mouse settings.
To change your mouse settings:
1Click (Start), Control Panel, then under Hardware and Sound, click Mouse. The Mouse
Properties dialog box opens.
2Change the settings you want. You can:
•Switch the left and right buttons
•Change the double-click speed
•Change the pointer appearance and speed
•Change the mouse wheel actions
3Click OK to save your changes.
Help
For more information about mouse settings, click Start, then click Help and
Support. Type mouse settings in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
Shortcut
Start Ö Control Panel Ö Printers and Other Hardware Ö Mouse
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Adding and modifying user accounts
You can create and customize a user account for each person who uses your computer. You can
also change between user accounts without turning off your computer.
User account tips
•If you want to create an account for someone, but you do not want that user to have full
access to your computer, be sure to make that account limited. Remember that limited
accounts may not be able to install some older programs.
•Files created in one account are not accessible from other accounts unless the files are
stored in the Shared Documents folder. The Shared Documents folder is accessible from
all accounts on that computer and from other computers on the network.
To add, delete, or modify user accounts:
1Click (Start), Control Panel, then under User Accounts and Family Safety, click Add
or remove user accounts.
•To create a new account, click Create a new account, then follow the on-screen
instructions to finish the setup.
•To change an account, click the account name, then click the option you want to
change.
•To delete an account, click the account name, then click Delete the account and
confirm the deletion of related files. The account is deleted. (You cannot delete the
administrator account.)
To switch between user accounts:
1Save any open documents that are being worked on in your current account.
2Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then click Switch User or Log Off.
Help
For more information about user accounts, click Start, then click Help and
Support. Type user accounts in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
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•Switch User opens the account selection screen but does not log off the current user,
and any programs that were running for the previous user continue to run.
•Log Off logs off the current user, then opens the account selection screen.
3Click the user account that you want to use.
Changing power-saving settings
Changing the power scheme
Power schemes (groups of power settings) let you change power saving options such as when
the monitor or hard drive is automatically turned off. You can select one of the defined power
schemes or create a custom power scheme.
To change the power scheme:
1Click (Start), Control Panel, Hardware and Sound, then under Power Options, click
Change power-saving settings. The Select a power plan dialog box opens.
2Click a power plan (default plans shown):
•Balanced uses several energy-saving features while maintaining reasonable
performance and convenience.
•Power saver maximizes energy savings but reduces performance and convenience.
•High performance maximizes performance but reduces energy savings.
3To change a power plan, click Change plan settings, change the settings you want, then
click Save changes.
Caution
If you click Log Off, any programs that were running may be closed, and
unsaved document changes may be lost.
Help
For more information about power schemes, click Start, then click Help and
Support. Type power scheme or power management in the Search Help box, then
press ENTER.
Shortcut
Start Ö Control Panel Ö Hardware and Sound Ö Power Options
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4To change advanced power settings, click Change plan settings, Change advanced
power settings.
5Change the settings you want, then click OK.
You can change:
•Power-down times for your hard drive, wireless network adapter, USB devices, and
processor
•Power management settings for your display, processor, and expansion cards
•Behavior of your computer’s power button
The Edit Play Settings dialog box opens.
6Click Save changes.
7To create a new power plan, on the left side of the window click Create a power plan,
then follow the on-screen instructions.
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Changing accessibility settings
Your computer can be a powerful tool, but it may be less useful to you if items on the screen
are difficult to see, or if the mouse is difficult to control. Windows has several tools that help
you use it more easily.
Using the Ease of Access Center
Use the Ease of Access Center to change several system display settings.
To use the Ease of Access Center:
1Click (Start), Control Panel, Ease of Access, then click Ease of Access Center. The
Ease of Access Center opens.
2In the Quick access to common tools section, click one of the following options to make
some of the most common accessibility changes to Windows:
•Start Magnifier provides a close-up view of the area near your mouse pointer.
•Start On-Screen Keyboard displays a keyboard on the screen. You can press keys
on the on-screen keyboard by clicking them with your mouse.
•Start Narrator reads on-screen text and describes graphics.
•Set up High Contrast changes the Windows color scheme to use high-contrast colors.
You can also use the Ease of Access Center to:
•Use the computer without a display, mouse, or keyboard
•Make the computer display easier to see
•Make the mouse and keyboard easier to use
•Use text or visual alternatives for sounds
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Using voice recognition
You can attach a microphone to your computer and configure Windows to create typed text from
your voice.
To set up voice recognition:
1Click (Start), Control Panel, Ease of Access, then click Speech Recognition Options.
The Speech Recognition Options window opens.
2Click one of the following settings to start setting up speech recognition:
•Start Speech Recognition turns speech recognition on. With an attached microphone,
you can then control your computer using voice commands.
•Set up microphone configures your attached microphone to work correctly with
speech recognition.
•Take Speech Tutorial helps you learn how to use speech recognition.
•Train your computer to better understand you helps you create several voice
samples that your computer can use to better recognize the words you speak.
•Open the Speech Reference Card lets you view and print a list of common voice
commands.
3You can also click Text to Speech on the left of the window to configure your computer’s
settings for reading aloud on-screen text.
CHAPTER 9
81
Networking Your Computer
•Introduction to Networking
•Wired Ethernet networking
•Wireless Ethernet networking
•Setting up your network connection
•Testing your network
•Adding a printer to your network
•Sharing resources
•Using the network
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Introduction to Networking
Making sure your broadband connection works
Before you change anything about your home setup, make sure that your broadband connection
is working correctly. To test the connection, log onto the Internet using your current setup. If
the connection is not working, contact your Internet service provider.
Networking terms you should know
DHCP—Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) lets a router temporarily assign an IP
address to a computer on the network.
IP Address—Internet Protocol (IP) address is a number that uniquely identifies a computer on
the network.
Subnet Mask—Subnet mask is a number that identifies what subnetwork the computer is
located on. This number will be the same on all computers on a home network.
Wired Ethernet networking
An wired Ethernet network consists of two or more computers connected together through an
Ethernet cable. This connection type is commonly used in offices around the world and can be
used to build computer networks in the home.
Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet
Ethernet is available at three different speeds. Standard Ethernet runs at 10 Mbps, Fast Ethernet
runs at 100 Mbps, and Gigabit Ethernet runs at 1000 Mbps. Most home networks are built using
Standard or Fast Ethernet components. Business networks are typically built using Fast or Gigabit
Ethernet components.
To create a wired Ethernet network, you or your electrician must install special Ethernet cables
in your home or office.
Using a router
The most common way to set up a wired Ethernet network is Dynamic Host Control Protocol
(DHCP) using a router. A DHCP network configuration uses a router to automatically assign IP
addresses to each computer or network device. For information on setting up a router, see the
router’s documentation.
Example router-based Ethernet network
The following is an example of a wired Ethernet network. The network is made up of a router,
a cable or DSL modem, your computers, and cables connecting each of these components. The
router is the central control point for the network.
Important
If you do not have a broadband connection already installed, make the
necessary arrangements with your ISP. Be sure to find out how soon after the
installation the line will be activated.
Broadband Internet settings differ from ISP to ISP. Before you begin
setting up your network, you should contact your ISP for any specific
instructions they have for setting up a network.
Important
Check local code requirements before installing Ethernet cable or other
wiring in your home or office. Your municipality may require you to obtain a
permit and hire a licensed installer.
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Attached to the router are all of your computers or Ethernet-ready devices. Also connected to
the router is a cable or DSL modem that provides access to the Internet.
Equipment you need for a router-based Ethernet network
For a wired Ethernet network you need:
•Two or more computers with Ethernet jacks
•One router
•One broadband Internet connection (optional)
•Ethernet cables connecting all of the network equipment
When buying your router, be sure the model includes everything your network needs, including:
•Internet security features, such as a firewall, to protect your network from unwanted
intruders
•4-port switch to eliminate the need for additional network hardware
•DHCP server/dynamic IP address assignment to automatically configure network and IP
addresses
Determining if an Ethernet card is already installed on your computer
To determine if an Ethernet card is already installed on your computer:
1Click (Start), then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
2Click System and Maintenance, then click System.
Tip
To add the ability to access a wireless Ethernet network to your wired
Ethernet network, connect an access point to the router or use a router that
has a built-in access point.
Important
For best results, all Ethernet components should be either standard
Ethernet (10 Mbps), Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps or 10/100), or Gigabit Ethernet
(1000 Mbps or 10/100/1000). A mixture of components rated at different
speeds will result in your network running at the speed of the slowest rated
component.
Cable/DSL
modem
Router
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3Click Device Manager from the task list on the left. The Device Manager window opens.
4Click the plus (+) in front of Network adapters. The Ethernet device installed in your
computer is listed. If one is not listed, you must install one.
Setting up wired Ethernet network hardware
Installing Ethernet cards and drivers
After you have determined the type of Ethernet you are using for your network, you need to
install Ethernet cards and drivers on the computers that do not have Ethernet already installed.
To order wired or wireless Ethernet PCI or PC cards, visit the Accessories Store at
www.gateway.com.
Use the documentation that comes with your Ethernet cards for instructions on installing the
card and any required drivers.
Plug your Ethernet cable into your computer’s jack and the router or the cable or DSL modem
at this point, if you have not already done so.
Connecting network cables
We recommend using category 5, unshielded, twisted-pair cable (approximately 1/4-inch
diameter with a thin outer-jacket, containing eight color-coded wires), and equipment compatible
with this type of cable. This type of cable is equipped with RJ-45 connectors (like a large telephone
jack connector, but with eight pins) on each end.
Category 5 cables are available in two different types; straight-through cables, used to connect
computers to a router, and crossover cables, used to connect two computers.
To determine which type of cable you have, hold both ends of the cable with the connectors
facing away from you and with the spring clip on the bottom. For straight-through cable, the
wires on both connectors are attached to copper pins in the same order (same colors, left to
right). For a crossover cable, the wires on each connector are attached to the copper pins in a
different order (different colors, left to right).
Setting up a network using a router
If you are setting up a network for more than two computers and you will be connecting your
network to a high-speed Broadband Internet connection (cable or DSL modem), we recommend
the use of a router. A router lets you access the Internet connection from any network computer.
The router can assign IP addresses to the computers on the network and can provide firewall
protection for your network as well.
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In addition to a router, you need a straight-through cable for each computer you want to connect
to the network.
To set up a network using a router:
1Plug one end of the power adapter into the AC connector on the router and the other end
into a grounded, 110V electrical outlet.
2Turn on your computers.
3Plug one end of a straight-through network cable into any numbered port on the router
(except the WAN port). The WAN port is used to connect the router to the DSL or cable
modem and is identified by a label or a switch. Plug the other end of the cable into the
network connector on the computer. As each computer is connected to the router, the
corresponding green indicator should light on the front of the router, indicating a good
connection.
4Repeat Step 3 for each computer on the network.
5For an Internet connection, plug a straight-through cable into the WAN port on the router
and the other end into the Ethernet jack on the DSL or cable modem.
Wireless Ethernet networking
Wireless Ethernet networking is the latest advance in computer communication. With a wireless
home network, you can set up your computer wherever you like.
A wireless Ethernet network uses radio waves to communicate. Typically, a wireless Ethernet
network is made up of an access point, a cable or DSL modem (for Internet access), and your
wireless computers.
Wireless Ethernet standards
Current wireless Ethernet standards include the following:
•802.11a — 54Mbps
•802.11b — 11Mbps
•802.11g — 54Mbps
•802.11n — 540Mbps
Router
WAN port
Cable/DSL
modem
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Speed is not the only issue if you decide to use equipment with different standards. Compatibility
can also be an issue. Take the following into consideration when you purchase wireless
equipment:
Using an access point
An access point is a small electronic device that serves as the central control point for your
network. You connect your modem to the access point, set up a network connection, then browse
the Internet, send e-mail, share files and folders with other networked computers, and access
other devices, like a printer or scanner.
Equipment you need for an access point-based network
For a wireless Ethernet network you need:
•Your Gateway computer with a wireless Ethernet network card installed
•A broadband Internet connection (optional)
•An access point
Determining if a wireless Ethernet device is already installed on your computer
To determine if an Ethernet card is already installed on your computer:
1Click (Start), then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
2Click System and Maintenance, then click System.
Access point Wireless cards supported
802.11a 802.11a only
802.11b 802.11b only
802.11g 802.11b and 802.11g
802.11n 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n
Tip
When you buy your access point, make sure it has:
• IEEE 802.11n support. 802.11n is the fastest method for wireless
communications. 802.11n is compatible with the older IEEE 802.11g and
IEEE 802.11b formats but not with the competing IEEE 802.11a format. Make
sure that you get the correct format that matches your computer.
• DHCP server/dynamic IP address assignment capability that makes it
easier to set up and access your network.
• Internet security features like a firewall to keep intruders out of your
network.
• Wireless security features like SecureEasySetup™ or 128-bit WEP
encryption.
If you are not sure what to buy, check out Gateway’s accessory store
at www.gateway.com.
Cable or DSL modem
Access point
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3Click Device Manager from the task list on the left. The Device Manager window opens.
4Click the plus (+) in front of Network adapters. The wireless Ethernet device installed in
your computer is listed. If one is not listed, you must install one.
Setting up wireless Ethernet network hardware
Installing wireless cards and drivers
After you have determined the type of wireless equipment you are using for your network, you
need to install wireless cards and drivers on the computers that do not have them already
installed. To order wireless Ethernet PCI or PC cards, visit the Accessories Store at
www.gateway.com.
Use the documentation that comes with your wireless cards for instructions on installing the cards
and any required drivers.
Setting up your access point
A wireless Ethernet network sends and receives information through radio waves. This means
that another computer outside your network can intercept the radio waves and take control of
your network.
If you do not set up security for your network, a hacker can gain access to your Internet
connection to send spam e-mail and to your hard drive to download viruses or view your personal
data, like credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, and personal online banking information.
Check your access point documentation for information about installing it and setting network
security.
Setting up your network connection
Naming the computers and the workgroup
Make sure that you have set up your router (wired network) or access point (wireless network).
If you are setting up a wired network, make sure that you have connected the network cabling.
To identify this computer on the network:
1Click (Start), then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
2Click System and Maintenance. The System and Maintenance window opens.
3Click System, then click Change Settings in the Computer Name, Domain and
Workgroup settings area. The System Properties dialog box opens.
4Click Change.
5If your computer does not already have a name, type a unique computer name in the
Computer name box. This name identifies the computer to other users on the network.
Use a computer name of up to 15 characters with no blank spaces. Each computer name
must be unique on your network. All-numeric computer names are not allowed. Names
must contain some letters.
6Type a name for your workgroup in the Workgroup box. Use a workgroup name of up
to 15 characters with no blank spaces. The workgroup name must be the same for all
computers in your network workgroup, and the name must be different than any computer
name on your network.
Important
You must give each computer on the network a unique Computer Name
and the same Workgroup Name.
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7Click OK. When you are prompted to restart your computer, click Restart Now.
Configuring the TCP/IP protocol
A networking protocol is a language computers use to talk to each other. One of several available
protocols must be set up on each computer you plan to use on your network. We recommend
you use the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), which is widely accepted
and compatible for local area networks (LANs), as well as for Internet communications.
When networking is set up in Windows Vista, TCP/IP is automatically installed as the default
protocol.
Using a DHCP server
In order to use the TCP/IP protocol on a computer with a router or access point router, the
protocol must be set to “Obtain an IP address from a DHCP server.” This is typically preset when
you receive your computer.
Configuring your router
After you have named your computers and set up TCP/IP on them, you can configure your router
using your Web browser. For instructions, see your router’s documentation.
Connecting to a wireless Ethernet network
Connecting to your network
After you have named your computer and workgroup, you need to set up the network connection
on your computer.
Important
Each computer on your network needs a unique Computer Name. All the
computers on your network need the same Workgroup Name. You may have
already named your computer and workgroup the first time you turned on your
computer.
Help
For more information about connecting to your network, click Start, then
click Help and Support. Type the following keywords in the Search Help box,
then press ENTER.
• Connect to an available network
• Manually add a wireless Ethernet network
• Connecting to wireless Ethernet network.
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To connect to your wireless Ethernet network:
1Click (Start), then click Network. The Network window opens.
2Click Network and Sharing Center. The Network and Sharing Center window opens.
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3Click Connect to a network on the left of the window. The Connect to a network dialog
box opens.
4Click a network, then click Connect.
If you can see the network name, but you cannot connect to it, your network is using
security. Right-click on the network, then click Properties. Modify the security settings to
match the settings you set on your access point.
Wireless security
For information on wireless security, refer to the documentation that came with your access
point.
Testing your network
Now that your home network is set up, log onto one of your computers and access a favorite
Internet Web site.
If you are unable to connect to the Internet:
•Click (Start), Control Panel, Network and Internet, then the Network and Sharing
Center.
•Choose Diagnose and Repair on the left of the window. Take any actions suggested.
•If you are using a wired Ethernet network, check all physical cable connections
•If you are using a wireless Ethernet network, make sure that your access point is plugged
in and compare the status lights on the front of the access point with the patterns described
in the access point documentation
•Compare the status lights on the front of the router or access point with the patterns
described in the router or access point literature
•Temporarily turn off any firewall software on your desktop computer
•Turn off all of the devices, then power them back on
•Refer to your router’s or access point’s troubleshooting information
•Contact your Internet service provider
Help
For more information about wireless network security methods, click
Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword wireless network
security methods in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
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Adding a printer to your network
Instead of plugging a printer into your computer, you can add a printer to your network. To
add a printer to the network, do one of the following:
•Connect your printer to your networked computer, then share the printer. For information
about sharing printers, see “Sharing drives and printers” on page 91.
•Connect your printer to your router or access point if the router or access point includes
a USB or parallel port. For more information, see the instructions that came with your router
or access point.
•Use a printer that has built-in networking.
•Use a print server.
Sharing resources
With a network, you can share your Internet connection, drives, and printers.
Sharing drives and printers
With a network, you can share drives (for example hard drives and DVD drives) and printers
among the computers connected to the network.
After the drives and printers on each network computer are shared, you can access them as
though they were attached directly to your computer. Then you can:
•View a network drive
•Open and copy files stored on other network computers
•Print documents on network printers
Sharing drives or folders
To share drives or folders:
1Click (Start), then click Computer.
2Right-click the drive or folder that you want to share, then click Share. The Properties
dialog box opens.
If you share a drive, the entire contents of that drive will be available to everyone on your
network. If you share a folder, only the contents of that folder will be available to everyone
on the network.
Important
To share a printer among the network computers, each computer must
have the shared printer’s drivers installed. Follow the instructions included with
your printer to install the printer drivers on each computer.
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3Click the Sharing tab.
If Share is grayed out, click Advanced Sharing to set sharing for this drive/folder.
4Click OK, then click Close.
Un-sharing drives and folders
To un-share drives or folders:
1Click Start, then click Computer.
2Right-click the drive or folder that you want to un-share, then click Share.
3Click Advanced Sharing, then click Share this folder (or drive) to uncheck the box.
4Click Apply, then click OK.
Sharing printers
To share printers:
1Click (Start), then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
2Under Hardware and Sound, click Printer The Printers window opens.
3Right-click the name and icon of the printer you want to share, then click Sharing on the
menu.
4On the Sharing tab, click Share this printer, then click OK.
Using the network
After the drives and printers on each network computer are shared, you can:
•View shared drives and folders
•Map a network drive
•Open and copy files stored on other network computers
•Print documents on network printers
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Viewing shared drives and folders
To view shared drives and folders:
1Click (Start), then click Network. The Network window opens.
2If no drives or folders are displayed, click the option bar under the menu bar, then click
Turn on network discover and file sharing.
3Double-click the name of the computer containing the drive or folder you want to view.
All shared drives and folders are listed.
Creating a shortcut to a network drive
After a shortcut is created on a computer for a drive or folder on another computer, the contents
of the drive or folder can be accessed as if the drive were attached directly to the computer.
For example, a shortcut is created on computer 2 to the My Documents folder on computer 1.
To access the My Documents folder on computer 1 from computer 2, double-click shortcut icon.
To map a network drive:
1Locate the drive or folder by completing the steps in “Viewing shared drives and folders”
on page 93.
2Right-click the drive or folder, then click Create Shortcut. A shortcut is created for the
drive or folder and the icon for the shortcut is placed on your desktop.
3Click X to close the window.
Opening files across the network
To open files across the network:
1Start the program for the file you want to open.
2Click File, then click Open.
3Browse to the network drive that contains the file you want to open.
4Double-click the folder containing the file, then double-click the file.
Copying files across the network
To copy files across the network:
1Click (Start), then click Computer. The Computer window opens.
2Browse to the network drive that contains the file you want to copy.
3Browse to the file you want to copy.
4Right-click the file, then click Copy.
5Right-click the folder where you want to copy the file to, then click Paste.
Help
For more information about workgroups, click Start, then click Help and
Support. Type the keyword workgroups in the Search Help box, then press
ENTER.
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Printing files across the network
To print files across the network:
1Open the file you want to print, then click Print.
2Click the arrow button to open the printer name list, then click the network printer.
3Click Print.
Important
Before you can print a file across the network, you must install the driver
for the printer on the computer you are sending the file from. You can obtain
the printer driver and installation instructions from the CD that shipped with
your printer or from the manufacturer’s Web site.
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Protecting your computer
•Hardware security
•Data security
•Security updates
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Hardware security
Although you may be able to replace your computer with a call to your insurance agent, you
cannot replace the information stored on your computer. Take steps to prevent theft of your
computer.
Kensington lock slot
The first step in computer security is preventing your computer from being stolen.
Attach a cable lock to the Kensington lock slot on your computer, then wrap the cable lock to
a solid object like a desk or table. You can buy a cable lock at most electronics stores and many
department stores.
For the location of the Kensington lock slot, see “Back” on page 7.
Data security
The second step in computer security is keeping your data safe and secure.
Startup and hard drive password
Use a startup and hard drive password to keep other people from using your computer. You
have to enter your password when you turn on your computer or access your files.
These passwords are set in your computer’s BIOS setup utility. Use a password that you can
remember but that would be hard for someone else to guess.
Windows user accounts
Windows lets you set up a user account for each person who uses your computer. When you
set up user accounts, Windows sets up a My Documents folder for each account. You can assign
a password to each account so only the account owner can access files in the My Documents
folder.
When you set up a user account, you can also limit the programs that a user can install or run.
Help
For more information about Windows user accounts, click Start, then click Help and
Support. Type the keyword user accounts in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
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Protecting your computer from viruses
A virus is a program that attaches itself to a file on a computer, then spreads from one computer
to another. Viruses can damage data or cause your computer to malfunction. Some viruses go
undetected for a period of time because they are activated on a certain date.
Protect your computer from a virus by:
•Registering your copy of McAfee SecurityCenter and subscribing to the virus definition
update service. You may have received a free limited time subscription to one of these
services when you purchased your computer.
•Using the McAfee VirusScan program to check files and programs that are attached to
e-mail messages or downloaded from the Internet.
•Checking all programs for viruses before installing them.
•Disabling macros on suspicious Microsoft Word and Excel files. These programs will warn
you if a document that you are opening contains a macro that might have a virus.
•Periodically updating the McAfee VirusScan program to protect against the latest viruses.
•Making sure the Windows Security Center is configured to provide you with the highest
level of protection.
Your new Gateway computer may have the McAfee SecurityCenter installed. The McAfee
SecurityCenter includes the following components:
•McAfee VirusScan is an anti-virus subscription service. You can use VirusScan to protect
your computer from viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and hybrid attacks.
•McAfee Personal Firewall blocks unwanted inbound and outbound Internet traffic to
prevent hacker attacks.
•McAfee Privacy Service protects against online identity theft by blocking the transmission
of personally identifiable information. This service also filters offensive online content
(including pop-ups, ads, and web-bugs) and monitors, controls, and logs where children
surf.
•McAfee Spamkiller prevents identified spam from reaching your e-mail inbox and protects
you against known Phishing scams.
Tip
For more information about modifying security settings, see “Modifying security
settings” on page 101.
Help
For more information about protecting your computer against viruses, click Start,
then click Help and Support. Type the keyword viruses in the Search Help box, then
press ENTER.
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Using McAfee SecurityCenter
Scanning for and removing viruses
To scan for and remove viruses:
1Click (Start), All Programs, McAfee, then click McAfee SecurityCenter. McAfee
SecurityCenter opens.
2Click Scan. McAfee scans your computer for viruses and automatically removes any that
it finds. When McAfee is finished scanning, the program displays a summary of the items
detected and removed from your computer.
Updating your virus definitions
McAfee is set up to automatically retrieve the latest virus definitions from the Internet and install
them on your computer. If you turn off this automatic feature, you should manually update your
virus definitions.
To update your virus definitions:
1Make sure that you are connected to the Internet.
2Click (Start), All Programs, McAfee, then click McAfee SecurityCenter. McAfee
SecurityCenter opens.
3Click Update. The McAfee SecurityCenter checks for updates.
Important
To update McAfee SecurityCenter after the subscription period expires, you must
extend your subscription.
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Configuring McAfee VirusScan
You can configure McAfee VirusScan to perform a virus scan at certain times and on certain drives
on your computer. You can also configure the types of files that it scans for.
To configure McAfee VirusScan:
1Click (Start), All Programs, McAfee, then click McAfee SecurityCenter. McAfee
SecurityCenter opens.
2Click Computer & Files. A list of services appears to the right of Computer & Files category.
3Click Configure in the services area. The Computer & Files Configuration screen opens.
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4Click the grey Virus protection is enabled bar to expand that area, then click Advanced.
5Click the type of scan you want to configure, then set the options for that scan type.
6Click OK.
Using McAfee Parental Controls
You can use McAfee Parental Controls to restrict your children from accessing specific Web sites
or spending too much time on the Internet.
To use McAfee Parental Controls:
1Click (Start), All Programs, McAfee, then click McAfee SecurityCenter. McAfee
SecurityCenter opens.
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2Click Parental Controls, then click Configure in the services area. The Parental Controls
Configuration screen opens.
3Click the grey Parental controls are disabled bar to expand that area, then click
Advanced.
4Click the control you want to configure, then follow the instructions for modifying that
control.
5Click OK.
Using Windows Security Center
Windows Security Center helps protect your computer through:
•A firewall
•Automatic Windows updates
•Third party virus protection software
•Security options in Internet Explorer
Modifying security settings
To modify security settings:
1Click (Start), Control Panel, then click Security.
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2Click Security Center. The Windows Security Center dialog box opens.
3Click:
•Windows Update to run Windows Update or modify the Windows Update settings.
•Windows Firewall to prevent outsiders from accessing the information on your
computer.
•Windows Defender to scan your computer for malicious or unwanted software that
may have been placed on your computer either from an Internet web site or from
other programs that you have installed.
•Internet Options to prevent certain programs from running on your computer that
might be found on web sites.
4For more information about the Windows Security Center, click Get help about Security
Center.
Security updates
To keep your computer secure, you need to keep Windows and your computer’s system software
up to date.
Windows Update
If a hacker finds a way to bypass the security features built into Windows, Microsoft creates a
high-priority Windows update to fix the problem. You should update Windows regularly to keep
your computer secure.
To update Windows:
1Click (Start), Control Panel, then click Security.
2Click Security Center. The Windows Security Center dialog box opens.
Help
For more information about Windows Security Center, click Start, then click Help
and Support. Type the keyword security center in the Search Help box, then press
ENTER.
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3Click Windows Update. Windows checks the Microsoft Web site to see if any updates are
available.
4Click:
•Install Updates to download and install updates on your computer. These updates
include security updates.
•Install Extras to download additional Windows software for your computer.
Scheduling automatic updates
Use the Windows Security Center to schedule automatic updates. Windows can routinely check
for the latest updates for your computer and install them automatically.
To schedule automatic updates:
1Click (Start), Control Panel, then click Security.
2Click Security Center. The Windows Security Center dialog box opens.
3Click Windows Update.
4Click Change Settings. The Change Settings dialog box opens.
5Make your changes to the schedule settings, then click OK.
Help
For more information about Windows Update, click Start, then click Help and
Support. Type the keyword Windows update in the Search box, then press ENTER.
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BigFix
Your computer may include BigFix. BigFix monitors your computer for problems and conflicts.
It automatically gathers information about the latest bugs, security alerts, and updates from
BigFix sites on the Internet. Whenever BigFix detects a problem, it alerts you by flashing the blue
taskbar icon. To fix the problem, click on that icon to open BigFix.
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Maintaining Your Computer
•Setting up a maintenance schedule
•Caring for your computer
•Cleaning your computer
•Recovering your system
•Updating Windows
•Using BigFix
•Managing hard drive space
•Scheduling maintenance tasks
•Moving from your old computer
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Setting up a maintenance schedule
Use the following table to set up a regular maintenance schedule.
Caring for your computer
To extend the life of your computer:
•Be careful not to bump or drop your computer, and do not put any objects on top of it.
The case, although strong, is not made to support extra weight.
•When transporting your computer, we recommend that you put it in the original packaging
materials.
•Keep your computer away from magnetic fields. Magnetic fields can erase data on hard
drives.
•Never turn off your computer when the drive indicator is on because data on the hard
drive could be lost or corrupted.
•Avoid subjecting your computer to extreme temperature changes. The case can become
brittle and easy to break in cold temperatures and can melt or warp in high temperatures.
Damage due to either extreme is not covered by your warranty. As a general rule, your
computer is safest at temperatures that are comfortable for you.
•Keep all liquids away from your computer. When spilled onto computer components,
almost any liquid can result in expensive repairs that are not covered under a standard
warranty.
•Avoid dusty or dirty work environments. Dust and dirt can clog the internal mechanisms
and can lead to permanent damage to the computer.
•Do not block the ventilation fan slots. If these slots are blocked, your computer may
overheat, resulting in unexpected shutdown or permanent damage to the computer.
•When storing your computer for an extended period of time, unplug AC power.
Maintenance task Weekly Monthly When
needed
Check for viruses X X X
Run Windows Update X X
Manage hard drive space X
Clean up hard drives X X
Scan hard drive for errors X X
Defragment hard drive X X
Back up files X X X
Clean computer case and
peripheral devices
X
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Cleaning your computer
Keeping your computer clean and the vents free from dust helps keep your computer performing
at its best. You may want to gather these items and put together a computer cleaning kit:
•A soft, lint-free cloth
•An aerosol can of air that has a narrow, straw-like extension
•Cotton swabs
•An optical disc drive cleaning kit
Cleaning the exterior
•Always turn off your computer and other peripheral devices before cleaning any
components.
•Use a damp, lint-free cloth to clean your computer and other parts of your system. Do
not use household abrasive or solvent cleaners because they can damage the finish on
components.
•Your computer is cooled by air circulated through the vents on the case, so keep the vents
free of dust. With your computer turned off and unplugged, brush the dust away from
the vents with a damp cloth. Be careful not to drip any water into the vents.
Cleaning the keyboard
You should occasionally clean the keyboard to remove dust and lint trapped under the keys.
To clean the keyboard:
1Use an aerosol can of air with a narrow, straw-like extension to remove dust and lint
trapped under the keys.
2If you spill liquid on the keyboard, turn off your computer and turn the keyboard upside
down. Let the liquid drain, then let the keyboard dry before trying to use it again. If the
keyboard does not work after it dries, you may need to replace it.
Cleaning the monitor
To clean the monitor:
•To clean an LCD flat panel monitor, use a soft cloth and water to clean the screen. Dampen
the cloth (never apply liquid directly to the screen), then wipe the screen with the cloth.
•To clean a CRT monitor, use a soft cloth and glass cleaner to clean the monitor screen.
Squirt a little cleaner on the cloth (never directly on the screen), then wipe the screen with
the cloth.
Warning
When you shut down your computer, the power turns off, but some
electrical current still flows through it. To avoid possible injury from electrical
shock, unplug the power cord, modem cable, and network cable from the wall
outlets.
Caution
A flat-panel display is made of specially coated glass and can be
scratched or damaged by abrasive or ammonia-based glass cleaners.
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Cleaning the mouse
If the mouse pointer begins moving erratically across the computer screen or becomes difficult
to control precisely, cleaning the mouse will likely improve its accuracy.
To clean the mouse:
•Wipe the bottom of the mouse with a damp, lint-free cloth.
Cleaning optical discs
Optical discs (CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs) get dirty from frequent handling.
To clean an optical disc:
1Wipe from the center to the edge, not around in a circle, using a product made especially
for the purpose.
Recovering your system
System recovery options
Most computer problems can be solved by following the information in “Troubleshooting” on
page 143 or at www.gateway.com. Problem-solving may also involve re-installing some or all
of the computer’s software (also called recovering or restoring your system). Gateway provides
everything you need to recover your system under most conditions.
•To recover specific files and software, see “Recovering specific files and software” on
page 108.
•To completely restore your system:
•If you can still run Windows, see “Recovering your system using Microsoft System
Restore” on page 109.
•If you cannot run Windows, see “Recovering your system using the Windows DVD” on
page 110
Recovering specific files and software
You can perform a partial recovery by recovering specific files, such as device drivers and most
pre-installed software. If you need to recover software that did not come pre-installed on your
system, you need to follow that software’s installation instructions.
To recover specific drivers and software:
1Click (Start), All Programs, then click Gateway Recovery. The Gateway Recovery
Center opens.
2Click on the appropriate recovery option, then follow the on-screen instructions.
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Recovering your system using Microsoft System Restore
Microsoft System Restore periodically takes “snapshots” of your system settings and saves them
as restore points. In most cases of hard-to-resolve software problems, you can return to one of
these restore points to get your system running again.
To restore using Microsoft System Restore:
1Click (Start), Control Panel, System and Maintenance, then click Backup and
Restore Center. The Backup and Restore Center opens.
2On the left side of the window, click Repair Windows using System Restore, then click
Next. The Choose a restore point dialog box opens.
3Click the restore point you want, click Next, then click Finish. A confirmation message box
appears.
4Click Yes. Your system is restored using the restore point you specified.
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Recovering your system using the Windows DVD
To completely re-install Windows
1Insert the Windows DVD into one of your computer’s DVD-capable drives, then restart your
computer.
2When the prompt “Press any key to boot from CD or DVD” appears, press any key on your
keyboard. A list of valid boot devices appears.
3Press the arrow keys to select the drive containing the Windows DVD, then press ENTER
and follow the on-screen instructions.
Updating Windows
Windows Update helps you keep your computer up-to-date. Use Windows Update to choose
updates for your computer’s operating system, software, and hardware. New content is added
to the site regularly, so you can always get the most recent updates and fixes to protect your
computer and keep it running smoothly. Windows Update scans your computer and provides
you with a tailored selection of updates that apply only to the software and hardware on your
computer.
For information on running Windows Update, see “Using Windows Vista” on page 21. Windows
Update can also be controlled through the Windows Security Center. For more information, see
“Protecting your computer” on page 95.
Using BigFix
BigFix monitors your computer for problems and conflicts. It automatically gathers information
about the latest bugs, security alerts, and updates from BigFix sites on the Internet. Whenever
BigFix detects a problem, it alerts you by flashing the blue taskbar icon. To fix the problem, click
on that icon to open BigFix.
To start BigFix:
1Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click BigFix.
2To learn more about BigFix, click Help, then click Tutorial.
Help
For more information about Windows Update, click Start, then click Help
and Support. Type windows update in the Search Help box, then press
ENTER.
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Managing hard drive space
Windows provides several utilities you can use to check hard drive space, delete unnecessary
files, defragment files, and back up files.
Checking hard drive space
To check hard drive space:
1Click (Start) then click Computer. The Computer window opens.
2Right-click the drive that you want to check for available file space, then click Properties.
Drive space information appears.
Shortcut
Start Ö Computer Ö right-click drive ÖProperties
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Deleting unnecessary files
Delete unnecessary files, such as temporary files and files in the Recycle Bin, to free hard drive
space.
To delete unnecessary files:
1Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click Disk Cleanup. The
Disk Cleanup dialog box opens.
2Click one of the options:
•My files only cleans only the folders for the currently logged in user.
•Files from all users on this computer cleans all folders.
The Disk Cleanup dilalog box opens.
3Click to select the types of files you want to delete, then click OK. The types of files you
indicated are deleted.
Shortcut
Start Ö Computer Ö right-click drive Ö Properties Ö Disk Cleanup
Help
For more information about keeping the hard drive free of unnecessary files,
click Start, then click Help and Support. Type disk cleanup in the Search Help
box, then press ENTER.
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Checking the hard drive for errors
The Error-checking program examines the hard drive for physical flaws and file and folder
problems. This program corrects file and folder problems and marks flawed areas on the hard
drive so Windows does not use them.
If you use your computer several hours every day, you probably want to run Error-checking once
a week. If you use your computer less frequently, once a month may be adequate. Also use
Error-checking if you encounter hard drive problems.
To check the hard drive for errors:
1Click (Start) then click Computer. The Computer window opens.
2Right-click the drive that you want to check for errors, click Properties, then click the Tools
tab.
3Click Check Now, then click Start. Your drive is checked for errors. This process may take
several minutes.
After Windows has finished checking the drive for errors, it provides a summary of the
problems that it found.
4Correct any problems that are found by following the on-screen instructions.
5Click OK.
Important
Error checking cannot scan a drive while the drive is being used,
so if you try to check your hard drive for errors, you see a prompt asking
you if you want to scan the hard drive later (the next time you restart
your computer). If you see this prompt, click Schedule disc check.
Help
For more information about checking the hard drive for errors, click Start,
then click Help and Support. Type checking for disk errors in the Search
Help box, then press ENTER.
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Defragmenting the hard drive
When working with files, sometimes Windows divides the file information into pieces and stores
them in different places on the hard drive. This is called fragmentation, and it is normal. In order
for your computer to use a file, Windows must search for the pieces of the file and put them
back together. This process slows the hard drive performance.
Disk Defragmenter organizes the data on the drive so each file is stored as one unit rather than
as multiple pieces scattered across different areas of the drive. Defragmenting the information
stored on the drive can improve hard drive performance.
While Disk Defragmenter is running, do not use your keyboard or mouse because using them
may continuously stop and restart the defragmenting process. Also, if you are connected to a
network, log off before starting Disk Defragmenter. Network communication may stop the
defragmentation process and cause it to start over.
To defragment the hard drive:
1Disconnect your computer from the network.
2Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click Disk Defragmenter.
The Disk Defragmenter dialog box opens.
3Click Defragment now. This process may take hours to complete, depending on the size
of the drive being defragmented.
Tip
Because defragmenting a drive may take hours to complete (depending
on the size of the drive being defragmented), consider starting the process
when you will not need the computer for several hours.
Help
For more information about defragmenting the hard drive, click Start, then
click Help and Support. Type defragmenting in the Search Help box, then
press ENTER.
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Backing up files
Backing up files and removing them from the hard drive frees space for new files on the hard
drive. It also protects you from losing important information if the hard drive fails or you
accidentally delete files.
You should back up your files regularly to a writable optical disc (if you have a recordable drive).
Use a backup device, such as a recordable disc drive, to do a complete hard drive backup. If
you do not have a high-capacity backup device and you want to purchase one, you can visit the
Accessories Store at www.gateway.com.
To back up files:
1Click (Start) then click Computer. The Computer window opens.
2Right-click the drive that you want to back up, click Properties, then click the Tools tab.
3Click Backup Now, then click Run a file backup now.
4Follow the on-screen instructions to select a backup storage location and the files and
folders to back up.
Help
For more information about backing up files, click Start, then click Help and
Support. Type backup in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
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Scheduling maintenance tasks
Task Scheduler lets you schedule maintenance tasks such as running Disk Defragmenter and
checking your drives for errors.
To start the Task Scheduler:
1Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click Task Scheduler.
The Task Scheduler dialog box opens.
2Click Create Basic Task for basic tasks or click Create Task for more complex tasks, then
follow the on-screen instructions to finish setting up and scheduling the task.
Moving from your old computer
Transferring files and settings with Windows Easy Transfer
You can move your files, folders, software settings, and user account settings (such as display,
Internet, and e-mail settings) from your old computer to your new one using Windows Easy
Transfer, providing your old computer uses Windows XP or Windows Vista.
While using Windows Easy Transfer, you will not be able to run other tasks on the computers.
To move files and settings from your old computer:
1If you want to transfer program settings to your new computer, install those programs
on the new computer before running Windows Easy Transfer. Windows Easy Transfer
copies only the software’s settings, not the software itself, to the new computer.
2Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click Windows Easy
Transfer. The Windows Easy Transfer dialog box opens.
3Click Next, click Start a new transfer, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete
the transfer.
Important
Your computer must be on during scheduled tasks. If your computer is
off, scheduled tasks will not run.
Help
For more information about scheduling tasks, click Start, then click Help
and Support. Type task scheduler in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
Important
If your old computer does not use Windows XP or Windows Vista, you
must manually move your data by using a writeable disc, flash drive, or external
hard drive.
Help
For more information about transferring files and settings, click Start, then
click Help and Support. Type transferring files and settings in the Search
Help box, then press ENTER.
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Transferring files and settings manually
You can manually transfer your personal data files by copying them to removable media, such
as a writable disc, an external hard drive, a network location, or a flash drive.
Finding your documents
Many programs save your personal data files in the Documents or My Documents folder. Look
in your old computer’s documents folder for personal data files.
To find files in the documents folder:
1In Windows Vista, click (Start), then click Documents. The Documents folder opens and
displays many of your saved personal data files. Go to Step 4.
- OR -
In Windows XP, click Start, then click My Documents. The My Documents window opens
and displays many of your saved personal data files. Go to Step 4.
- OR -
In Windows 98, Windows Me, or Windows 2000, double-click the My Computer icon on
the desktop. Go to the next step.
2Double-click the C:\ drive icon.
3Double-click the My Documents folder. The My Documents window opens and displays
many of your saved personal data files.
4Copy your personal data files to removable media or to another computer on your network.
Finding other files
Use Windows Find or Search to locate other personal data files. For more information, see
“Searching for files” on page 28.
You can often identify different data file types by looking at the file’s extension (the part of the
file name following the last period). For example, a document file might have a .DOC extension
and a spreadsheet file might have an .XLS extension.
To find files using Find or Search:
1In Windows Vista, click (Start), then click Search. The Search Results window opens.
- OR -
In Windows XP, click Start, then click Search. The Search Results window opens.
- OR -
In Windows 98, Windows Me, or Windows 2000, click Start, Find or Search, then click For
Files or Folders. The Search Results window opens.
2Type the filename you want to search for, then press ENTER. The search results are
displayed.
3To learn about more search options, click Help.
File type File usually ends in...
Documents .DOC, .TXT, .RTF, .HTM, .HTML, .DOT
Spreadsheets .XLS, .XLT, .TXT
Pictures .JPG, .BMP, .GIF, .PDF, .PCT, .TIF, .PNG,
.EPS
Movies .MPEG, .MPG, .AVI, .GIF, .MOV
Sound and music .WAV, .CDA, .MP3, .MID, .MIDI, .WMA
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CHAPTER 12
119
Adding and Replacing Components
•Preventing static electricity discharge
•Opening the case
•Closing the case
•Installing memory
•Replacing the system battery
•Replacing a CD, DVD, or diskette drive, or a memory
card reader
•Adding or replacing a hard drive
•Replacing the front fan
•Replacing the rear fan
•Replacing the power supply
•Replacing the heat sink and processor
•Replacing the I/O panel
•Adding or replacing an expansion card
•Replacing the system board
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Preventing static electricity discharge
The components inside your computer are extremely sensitive to static electricity, also known
as electrostatic discharge (ESD).
Before opening the computer case, follow these guidelines:
•Turn off your computer.
•Wear a grounding wrist strap (available at most electronics stores) and attach it to a bare
metal part of your computer.
•Touch a bare metal surface on the back of the computer.
•Unplug the power cord and the modem and network cables.
Before working with computer components, follow these guidelines:
•Avoid static-causing surfaces such as carpeted floors, plastic, and packing foam.
•Remove components from their antistatic bags only when you are ready to use them. Do
not lay components on the outside of antistatic bags because only the inside of the bags
provide electrostatic protection.
•Always hold expansion cards by their edges or their metal mounting brackets. Avoid
touching the edge connectors and components on the cards. Never slide expansion cards
or components over any surface.
Opening the case
Your computer case provides easy access to internal components.
Removing the side panel
To remove the side panel:
1Follow the instructions in “Preventing static electricity discharge” on page 120.
2Shut down your computer, then disconnect the power cord and modem, network, and all
peripheral device cables.
3Press the power button to drain any residual power from your computer.
4Remove the thumbscrew from the side panel cover. For the location of the thumbscrew,
see “Back” on page 9.
Warning
To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, turn off your
computer and unplug the power cord and modem and network cables before opening
the case.
Caution
ESD can permanently damage electrostatic discharge-sensitive components in your
computer. Prevent ESD damage by following ESD guidelines every time you open the
computer case.
Warning
To prevent risk of electric shock, do not insert any object into the vent holes
of the power supply.
Warning
To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, turn off your
computer and unplug the power cord and modem and network cables before opening
the case.
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5Lift the cover release lever, then swing the side panel away from the computer and remove
it.
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Removing the front bezel
To remove the front bezel:
1After removing the side panel, press the three black plastic tabs (positions indicated by
the arrows) to release the right side of the bezel.
2Swing the right side of the bezel out until the left side of the bezel comes away from the
left side of the computer, then remove the bezel.
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Closing the case
Replacing the front bezel
To replace the front bezel:
1Insert the tabs on the left side of the bezel into the slots in the left side of the computer.
2Swing the right side of the bezel in to insert the tabs on the right side of the bezel into
the slots on the right side of the computer.
3Press the right side of the bezel firmly until it snaps into place.
Replacing the side panel
To replace the side panel:
1Make sure that all of the internal cables are arranged inside the case so they will not be
pinched when you close the case.
2Insert the panel tabs into the bottom edge of the case, then swing the side panel toward
the top of the computer to secure it into place.
3Replace the side panel thumbscrew.
4Reconnect the cables and power cord.
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Installing memory
When you upgrade the computer memory, make sure that you install the correct type of memory
module for your computer. Your computer uses DIMM memory.
To install or replace DIMM memory:
1Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on
page 120.
2For more stability, place your computer on its side. To avoid scratching the case, place it
on a towel or other non-abrasive surface.
3Find the memory module banks on your system board.
4If you are removing a DIMM from the memory module bank, gently pull the plastic tabs
away from the sides of the memory module and remove it.
- OR -
If you are adding a DIMM to an empty memory module bank, gently pull the plastic tabs
away from the sides of the memory module bank.
5Align the notches on the new DIMM with the notches on the memory module bank and
press the module firmly into the bank. The tabs on the sides of the memory module should
secure the memory module automatically. When the module is secure, you hear a click.
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6Replace the side panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the side panel” on
page 123.
7Return your computer to its upright position.
8Reconnect the cables and the power cord.
9Turn on your computer. Windows starts and the Windows desktop appears.
10 Click (Start), Control Panel, then click System and Maintenance. Click System. The
amount of memory in your computer is shown at the bottom of the System Properties
dialog box in the General tab.
Replacing the system battery
If the computer clock does not keep time or the settings in the BIOS Setup utility are not saved
when you turn off your computer, replace the system battery. Use a battery of the same size
and voltage as the original battery that was in your computer.
To replace the battery:
1Restart your computer.
2During the restart, press and hold the F1 key. The main menu of the BIOS Setup utility
opens.
3Write down all the values in the menus and submenus, then exit from the utility.
4Shut down your computer.
5Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on
page 120.
6For more stability, place your computer on its side. To avoid scratching the case, place it
on a towel or other non-abrasive surface.
7Locate the old battery on the system board and note its orientation. You will need to install
the new battery the same way.
8Push the battery release tab. The battery pops out of the socket.
Warning
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose
of used batteries following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Battery release tab
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9Make sure that the positive (+) side of the new battery is facing up, then press the battery
into the socket until it snaps into place.
10 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the side panel” on
page 123.
11 Reconnect all external cables and the power cord.
12 Turn on your computer.
13 Open the BIOS Setup utility.
14 In the BIOS Setup utility, restore any settings that you wrote down in Step 3.
15 Save all your settings and exit the BIOS Setup utility.
Replacing a CD, DVD, or diskette drive, or a
memory card reader
To replace a CD, DVD, or diskette drive, or a memory card reader:
1Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on
page 120.
2Remove the front bezel by following the instructions in “Removing the front bezel” on
page 122.
3If you are replacing an existing drive or card reader, disconnect the cables from the device,
noting their locations and orientation. You will reconnect the cables after you install the
new component. (CD/DVD drive shown.) If you are installing a new drive or card reader,
go to Step 8.
4Remove the thumbscrew from the drive or reader.
Tip
You need a Phillips screwdriver to add or replace a CD, DVD, or diskette drive, or a
memory card reader.
Thumbscrew
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5Slide the drive release latch toward the back of the computer to the Unlocked position.
6Slide the drive or card reader forward and out of the drive bay.
7Note any jumper settings on the old device and set the jumper on the new drive to be
the same.
8Slide the new drive or card reader into the drive bay (the drive release latch should be in
the Unlocked position), then slide the drive release latch toward the front of the computer
to the Lock position. If you are installing a new drive or card reader, set the jumper
according to the manufacturers instructions.
9Reconnect the drive cables using your notes from Step 3.
10 Replace the front bezel by following the instructions in “Replacing the front bezel” on
page 123.
11 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the side panel” on
page 123.
Important
The color and shape of your replacement component's front cover may vary
from your original component.
Jumper
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Adding or replacing a hard drive
Use this procedure to add or replace a hard drive in one of the three hard drive bays. Your
computer supports as many as three 1-inch high, 3.5-inch SATA (standard) or SCSI (optional on
some models) hard drives. You can purchase additional drives through your Gateway Sales or
Customer Care representative.
To add or replace a hard drive:
1Back up files any files you want to save from the hard drive being replaced.
2Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on
page 120.
3If you are adding a new drive, go to Step 8. If you are replacing an existing drive, go to
the next step.
4Disconnect the drive cables, noting their locations and orientation. (You will reconnect the
cables after you install the new drive.)
5Slide the drive release latch in the direction shown.
6Remove the hard drive.
Tip
You need a Phillips screwdriver to add or replace a hard drive.
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7Note any jumper settings on the old drive and set the jumper on the new drive to be the
same.
8Slide the new drive into the drive bay (the drive release latch should be in the Unlocked
position), then slide the drive release latch back, locking the drive into the bay.
9If you are adding a drive, connect the drive cables to the new drive and set the jumper
according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- OR -
If you are replacing a drive, reconnect the drive cables using your notes from Step 4.
10 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the side panel” on
page 123.
11 Reconnect all external cables and the power cord.
12 Turn on your computer.
13 If Windows does not start, install Windows using the CD that came with your computer,
then install the drivers and applications using the Companion CD provided. Follow any
instructions that may be printed on the Windows CD.
Replacing the front fan
front fan.
To replace the front fan:
1Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on
page 120.
2Remove the fan cover by squeezing the top and bottom, then pulling it out.
Tip
You need a Phillips screwdriver to add or replace the front fan.
Jumper
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3Disconnect the fan cable from the system board. The location of the fan connection may
vary, so make sure that you trace the fan cable from the fan to the system board.
4Remove the fan mount by pressing in on the flat area near the front, then rotating the
fan mount back.
5Slide the old fan out of the fan mount.
6Slide the new fan into the fan mount.
7Insert the tabs on the rear of the fan mount into the slots provided, then rotate the mount
into place. The mount should lock into place.
8Reconnect the fan cables to the system board.
9Replace the fan cover.
10 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the side panel” on
page 123.
Caution
Be careful not to catch the wires connecting the power button to the system
board when rotating the fan mount. A notch has been provided for routing these
wires.
1
2
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Replacing the rear fan
To replace the rear fan:
1Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on
page 120.
2Disconnect the fan from the system board. The location of the fan connection may vary,
so make sure that you trace the fan cable from the fan to the system board.
3Remove the four screws that secure the fan to the back of the case, then remove the fan.
4Place the new fan on the back of the computer, then replace the screws that secure it to
the back of the case.
5Reconnect the fan cables to the system board.
6Replace the side panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the side panel” on
page 123.
7Reconnect all external cables and the power cord.
8Turn on your computer.
Tip
You need a Phillips screwdriver to add or replace the rear fan.
Screws
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Replacing the power supply
To replace the power supply:
1Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on
page 120.
2For more stability, place your computer on its side. To avoid scratching the case, place it
on a towel or other non-abrasive surface.
3Disconnect the power supply cables from all components (such as hard drives, CD or DVD
drives, and the system board), noting their locations and orientation. (You will reconnect
the cables after you install the new power supply.)
4Remove the three screws that secure the power supply to the computer.
5Squeeze the power supply retention mechanism, then rotate it counter-clockwise.
Tip
You need a Phillips screwdriver to replace the power supply.
Screws
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6Slide the power supply away from the back of the computer, then lift it up and out of the
case.
7Install the new power supply into the case, return the power supply retention mechanism
to its original position, then install the three screws to secure the power supply to the case.
8Reconnect the power supply cables using your notes from Step 3.
9Replace the side panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the side panel” on
page 123.
Replacing the heat sink and processor
To replace the heat sink and processor:
1Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on
page 120.
2For more stability, place your computer on its side. To avoid scratching the case, place it
on a towel or other non-abrasive surface.
3Remove the fan cover by squeezing the top and bottom, then pulling it out.
Tip
You need a Phillips screwdriver to add or replace the heat sink.
Caution
The heat sink has Thermal Interface Material (TIM) located on the bottom
of it. Use caution when you remove the old heat sink or unpack the new heat sink
so you do not damage the TIM.
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4Loosen the four screws that secure the heat sink to the system board, then remove the
heat sink.
5Release the processor by pushing down on the lever, then lifting the lever completely up.
6Lift the hold-down bracket off the processor.
7Lift the processor out of the socket and place it in a static-free bag for storage.
8Install the new processor onto the system board, making sure that the processor is within
the socket body and that the two orientation notches in the edges of the processor fit
into the orientation keys on the socket, then close the hold-down bracket and move the
lever to its locked position.
9Place the heat sink on the processor, making sure the Thermal Interface Material (TIM) is
aligned between the heat sink and the processor, then tighten the screws that secure the
heat sink to the system board.
10 Return your computer to the upright position.
11 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the side panel” on
page 123.
Screws
Hold-down
bracket
Lever
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Replacing the I/O panel
To replace the front I/O panel:
1Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on
page 120.
2Remove the bezel by following the instructions in “Removing the front bezel” on page 122.
3Remove the screw that secures the front I/O assembly to the computer, then remove the
I/O assembly.
4Remove the screw that secures the front I/O panel board to the computer, then remove
the I/O panel board by pushing it toward the back of the computer.
5Disconnect the cable from the old I/O panel board and connect it to the new I/O panel
board.
6Insert the new I/O panel board into the computer, then replace the screw.
7Place the front I/O assembly onto the computer, then replace the screw.
8Replace the front bezel by following the instructions in “Replacing the front bezel” on
page 123.
9Replace the side panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the side panel” on
page 123.
Important
The color and shape of your replacement component's front cover may vary from
your original component.
Screw
I/O assembly
Screw
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Adding or replacing an expansion card
To add or replace an expansion card:
1Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on
page 120.
2For more stability, place your computer on its side. To avoid scratching the case, place it
on a towel or other non-abrasive surface.
3Remove the thumbscrew from the expansion card cover, then remove the cover.
4If you are replacing an expansion card, go to the next step. If you are adding an expansion
card, go to Step 7.
5Disconnect any cables that are attached to the card, noting their locations and orientation.
(You may need to reconnect the cables after you install the new card.)
6Remove the old expansion card. You can slightly seesaw the card end-to-end to loosen
the card, but do not bend the card sideways.
7Install the new card into the expansion slot. You can slightly seesaw the card end-to-end
to help insert the card, but do not bend the card sideways.
Caution
Do not touch the contacts on the bottom part of the expansion card.
Touching the contacts can cause electrostatic damage to the card.
Thumbscrew
Expansion card cover
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8Reconnect the expansion card cables (if any) using your notes from Step 5 or the
manufacturer’s instructions.
9Replace the expansion card cover and the thumbscrew you removed previously.
10 Return your computer to the upright position.
11 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in “Closing the case” on page 123.
Replacing the system board
To replace the system board:
1Remove the side panel by following the instructions in “Removing the side panel” on
page 120.
2For more stability, place your computer on its side. To avoid scratching the case, place it
on a towel or other non-abrasive surface.
3Disconnect any cables that are attached to any expansion cards, noting their locations and
orientation. (You will reconnect the cables after you install the cards on the new board.)
4Remove the thumbscrew from the expansion card cover, then remove the cover.
Thumbscrew
Expansion card cover
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5Remove the expansion cards. You can slightly seesaw the cards end-to-end to loosen them,
but do not bend the cards sideways.
6Remove the fan cover by squeezing the top and bottom, then pulling it out.
7Disconnect the fans (front and rear) from the system board. The location of the fan
connections may vary, so make sure that you trace the fan cablesfrom the fans to the
system board.
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8Find the memory module banks on your system board.
9Gently pull the plastic tabs away from the sides of the memory modules and remove them.
10 Disconnect the power and data cables from the system board, noting their locations and
orientation. (You will reconnect the cables after you install the new board.)
11 Remove the seven system board screws.
12 Lift the system board up and out of the case.
Screws
Screws
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13 Align the new system board on the screw holes in the case, then secure it into the case
with the screws.
14 If your replacement system board does not include a processor, go to the next step.
-OR-
If your replacement system board includes a processor, go to Step 20.
15 Loosen the four screws that secure the heat sink to the system board, then remove the
heat sink.
16 Release the processor by pushing down on the lever, then lifting the lever completely up.
17 Lift the hold-down bracket off the processor, then remove the processor.
18 Install the processor onto the new system board, making sure that the processor is within
the socket body and that the two orientation notches in the edges of the processor fit
into the orientation keys on the socket, then close the hold-down bracket and move the
lever to its locked position.
19 Place the heat sink on the processor, making sure the Thermal Interface Material (TIM) is
aligned between the heat sink and the processor, then tighten the screws that secure the
heat sink to the system board.
20 Connect the power and data cables using your notes from Step 10.
21 Reconnect the fan cables, then replace the fan cover.
22 Reinstall the memory you removed previously.
Caution
The heat sink has Thermal Interface Material (TIM) located on the bottom
of it. Use caution when you remove the old heat sink or unpack the new heat sink
so you do not damage the TIM.
Screws
Hold-down
bracket
Lever
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23 Reinstall any expansion cards, using your notes from Step 3, then replace the expansion
card cover and the thumbscrew.
24 Return your computer to the upright position.
25 Replace the side panel by following the instructions in “Replacing the side panel” on
page 123.
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CHAPTER 13
143
Troubleshooting
•Safety guidelines
•First steps
•Troubleshooting
•Telephone support
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144
Safety guidelines
While troubleshooting your computer, follow these safety guidelines:
First steps
If you have problems with your computer, try these things first:
•Make sure that the power cord is connected to your computer and an AC outlet and that
the AC outlet is supplying power.
•If you use a power strip or surge protector, make sure that it is turned on.
•If a peripheral device (such as a keyboard or mouse) does not work, make sure that all
connections are secure.
•Make sure that your hard drive is not full.
•If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact message. The message
may help Gateway Customer Care in diagnosing and fixing the problem.
•If you added or removed peripheral devices, review the installation procedures you
performed and make sure that you followed each instruction.
•If an error occurs in a program, see the program’s printed documentation or the online help.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting topics are listed in alphabetical order.
Audio
See “Sound” on page 156.
Warning
Never remove your computer case cover while your computer is turned
on and while the modem cable, network cable, and power cord are connected.
Warning
Make sure that you are correctly grounded before accessing internal
components. For more information about preventing damage from static
electricity, see “Preventing static electricity discharge” in your hardware
reference.
Warning
To avoid bodily injury, do not attempt to troubleshoot your computer
problem if:
- Power cords or plugs are damaged
- Liquid has been spilled into your computer
- Your computer was dropped
- The case was damaged
Instead, unplug your computer and contact a qualified computer technician.
Help
For more information about troubleshooting, click Start, then click Help and
Support. Type the keyword/phrase troubleshooting in the Search Help box,
then click ENTER.
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CD or DVD drives
The computer does not recognize a disc or the CD or DVD drive
•Make sure that the disc label is facing up, then try again.
•Try a different disc. Occasionally discs are flawed or become scratched and cannot be read
by the CD or DVD drive.
•If you are trying to play a DVD, make sure that you have a DVD drive. To identify your
drive type, see “Identifying drive types” on page 46.
•Your computer may be experiencing some temporary memory problems. Shut down and
restart your computer.
•Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may not be able to play these CDs
on your computer.
•Clean the disc. For more information, see “Cleaning optical discs” on page 108.
•Restart your computer, then enter the BIOS Setup utility by pressing and holding F2 while
your computer restarts. Make sure that the IDE controllers are enabled.
•Make sure that the drive is configured correctly by following the instructions in the drive
documentation.
•Reinstall the device driver.
An audio CD does not produce sound
•Make sure that the disc label is facing up, then try again.
•Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may not be able to play these CDs
on your computer.
•Make sure that the volume controls are turned up. For more information, see “Playing music
and movies” on page 54.
•Make sure that the mute controls are turned off. For more information, see “Playing music
and movies” on page 54.
•Make sure that the speaker cables are connected correctly and securely.
•Shut down and restart your computer.
•Clean the disc. For more information, see “Cleaning optical discs” on page 108.
•Reinstall the audio device drivers.
A DVD movie will not play
•Make sure that you have a DVD drive. To identify your drive type, see “Identifying drive
types” on page 46.
•Make sure that the disc label is facing up, then try again.
•Try a different disc. Occasionally discs are flawed or become scratched and cannot be read
by the DVD drive.
•Shut down and restart your computer.
•Clean the disc. For more information, see “Cleaning optical discs” on page 108.
•Reinstall the device driver.
•Make sure that the DVD program has been installed on your computer.
•DVDs and DVD drives contain regional codes that help control DVD title exports and help
reduce illegal disc distribution. To be able to play a DVD, the disc’s regional code and your
DVD drive’s regional code must match.
The regional code on your DVD drive is determined by your computer’s delivery address.
The regional code for the United States and Canada is 1. The regional code for Mexico is 4.
Your DVD drive’s regional code must match the regional code for the disc. The regional
code for the disc is on the disc, disc documentation, or disc packaging.
If the DVD movie does not play, the disc’s regional code and your DVD drive’s regional
code may not match.
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Diskette drive
The diskette drive is not recognized
•Shut down and restart your computer.
You cannot save a file to diskette or you see the message “disk is full or write-protected”
•Make sure that the write-protection tab on the upper-right corner of the diskette is down
(unprotected).
•Delete unnecessary files on the diskette and try again.
•Make sure that the diskette you are using is IBM-compatible.
•Try a different diskette. Occasionally diskettes are flawed and cannot be read by the
diskette drive.
•Run Error-checking on the diskette. For more information, see “Checking the hard drive
for errors” on page 113. If errors are detected and corrected, try using the diskette again.
You see an “Access Denied” or “Write protect” error message
•Move the write-protection tab in the upper-right corner of the diskette down (unprotected).
•The diskette may be full. Delete unnecessary files on the diskette and try again.
•Make sure that the diskette you are using is IBM-compatible.
•Try a different diskette. Occasionally diskettes are flawed and cannot be read by the
diskette drive.
You see a “Disk is full” error message
•Delete unnecessary files on the diskette.
•Try a different diskette. Occasionally diskettes are flawed and cannot be read by the
diskette drive.
•Run Error Checking on the diskette. For more information, see “Checking the hard drive
for errors” on page 113.
You see a “Non-system disk” or “Disk error” error message
•Eject the diskette from the diskette drive, then press ENTER.
•Make sure that the diskette you are using is IBM-compatible.
The diskette drive LED is lit continuously
•Remove the diskette from the drive. If the light stays on, try restarting your computer.
DVD drives
•See “CD or DVD drives” on page 145.
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Ethernet
You cannot see the other computers on your network
•Make sure that your Ethernet cable is plugged into the Ethernet jack on your computer.
Make sure that the other end is plugged into a router.
•Make sure that all computers are plugged into a powered electrical outlet and turned on.
•Make sure that the router is plugged into a powered electrical outlet and turned on. Most
routers have lights that indicate they are working. For more information, see the
documentation that came with your router.
•Make sure that all computers on your network have the same workgroup name.
•Make sure that all computers are using the same Subnet Mask.
•If you assigned IP addresses to the computers, make sure that all computers have different
IP addresses. For home networks, IP addresses should be 192.168.N.N where N is a number
you assign between 0 and 254. The first N should be the same for all computers on your
network and the second N should be different for all computers on your network.
The computer does not recognize an add-in Ethernet card
•Shut down and restart your computer.
•Make sure that you have installed the required software. For more information, see the
documentation that came with your Ethernet card.
•Reseat the card. For more information, about opening your computer case, see your
hardware reference. For more information about your Ethernet card, see the
documentation that came with your Ethernet card.
Your Ethernet network is running slower than you expect
•If your Ethernet network is running slower than you expect, check the speed of each
Ethernet component. For best results, all Ethernet components should be standard Ethernet
(10 Mbps), Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps or 10/100 Mbps), or Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps or
10/100/1000 Mbps). A mixture of Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet components
will result in your network running at the slowest component speed.
Expansion cards
The computer does not recognize an expansion card
•Shut down and restart your computer.
•Make sure that you have installed the required software. For more information, see the
documentation that came with your expansion card.
File management
A file was accidentally deleted
If a file was deleted while holding down the SHIFT key, the file cannot be restored.
To restore deleted files:
1Double-click the Recycle Bin icon.
2Right-click the file you want to restore, then click Restore. The file is restored to the
place where it was originally deleted from.
If the Recycle Bin was emptied before you try to restore a file, the file cannot be
restored.
Help
For more information about restoring deleted files, click Start, then click
Help and Support. Type the keyword/phrase System Restore in the Search
Help box, then press ENTER.
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Hard drive
You see an “Insufficient disk space” error message
•Delete unnecessary files from the hard drive using Disk Cleanup. For instructions on deleting
unnecessary files, see “Deleting unnecessary files” on page 112.
•Empty the Recycle Bin by right-clicking the Recycle Bin icon, then clicking Empty Recycle
Bin.
•Save your files to another drive. If the hard drive is full, copy any files not regularly used
to backup media, then delete them from the hard drive.
You see a “Data error” message
•This may be the result of a defective area on the hard drive. To fix hard drive problems,
run the Error checking program. For instructions on fixing hard drive problems, see
“Checking the hard drive for errors” on page 113.
The hard drive cannot be accessed, or you see a “General failure reading drive C” error
message
•If a diskette is in the diskette drive, eject it and restart your computer.
•If your computer has been subjected to static electricity or physical shock, you may need
to reinstall the operating system.
You see a “Non-system disk” or “disk error” error message
•Eject the diskette from the diskette drive, then press ENTER.
Internet
See also “Modem (dial-up)” on page 152.
You cannot connect to the Internet
•If you are using a dial-up modem, make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the
modem jack and not the Ethernet network jack. See your hardware reference or setup
poster to make sure that the connections have been made correctly.
- OR -
If you are using a cable or DSL modem, make sure that the modem cable is plugged
into the Ethernet network jack and not the modem jack. See your hardware reference
or setup poster to make sure that the connections have been made correctly.
•Make sure that your account with your Internet service provider (ISP) is set up correctly.
Contact your ISP technical support for help.
•Make sure that you do not have a problem with your modem. For more information,
“Modem (dial-up)” on page 152.
You see an “Unable to locate host” message and are unable to browse the Internet
•This problem can occur when you have typed a URL (Web address) incorrectly, you have
lost your Internet connection, or your ISP is having technical difficulties.
•Double-check the URL or try a different URL. If the error message still appears, disconnect
from the ISP connection and close your browser, then reconnect and open the browser.
If you still get the error, your ISP may be having technical difficulties.
Help
For more information about file management, click Start, then click Help
and Support. Type the phrase file management in the Search Help box, then
press ENTER.
Caution
All deleted files will be lost when you empty the Recycle Bin.
Help
For more information about the Internet, click Start, then click Help and
Support. Type Internet in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
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149
Connecting to a Web site takes too long
Many factors can affect Internet performance:
•The condition of the telephone lines in your residence or at your local telephone service
•The condition of the Internet computers to which you connect and the number of users
accessing those computers
•The complexity of graphics and multimedia on Web pages
•Having multiple Web browsers open, performing multiple downloads, and having multiple
programs open on your computer
People are sending you e-mail messages, but you have not received any mail
•Click the receive button in your e-mail program.
•Make sure that your account with your Internet service provider (ISP) is set up correctly.
Contact your ISP for technical support.
Keyboard
The keyboard does not work
•Make sure that the keyboard cable is plugged in correctly. For more information, see the
poster that came with your computer.
•Remove all extension cables and switch boxes.
•Clean the keyboard by using an aerosol can of air with a narrow, straw-like extension to
remove dust and lint trapped under the keys.
•Try a keyboard that you know works to make sure that the keyboard port works.
•Reinstall the keyboard device driver.
A keyboard character keeps repeating or you see a “keyboard stuck” or “key failure” error
message
•Make sure that nothing is resting on the keyboard.
•Make sure that a key is not stuck. Press each key to loosen a key that might be stuck,
then restart your computer.
Liquid spilled in the keyboard
•If you spilled liquid in the keyboard, turn off your computer and unplug the keyboard. Clean
the keyboard and turn it upside down to drain it. Let the keyboard dry before using it
again. If the keyboard does not work after it dries, you may need to replace it.
Media Center
To view Media Center troubleshooting information that is not covered in this section, go to the
Gateway support Web Site at www.gateway.com.
The Media Center video display looks bad on your TV
Many factors, such as the display type, quality of the video source, type of connection used,
quality of video cables, display device screen resolution, size of TV, age of the TV, or the type
of TV (interlaced or progressive scan), can affect the video quality significantly:
Help
For more information about Windows Media Center, click Start,
then click Help and Support. Type the phrase Windows Media
Center in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
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•Display type—The Media Center is best viewed on display devices that were offered with
the Media Center computer when you purchased it from Gateway. Other types of display
devices, including retail TVs, may provide lower quality video. If you did not order a display
device when you purchased your Media Center computer, a progressive scan display device
with a VGA input is the best choice.
•Quality of video source—The quality of the video signal coming into the Media Center
computer has an affect on the video quality. The video displayed from the Media Center
is only as good as the source video signal. Cable, digital cable, and satellite usually provide
better quality than an antenna.
•Type of connection used—You can connect the Media Center computer video output to
a TV. However, the connection type has an affect on the video quality. The Media Center
has two video outputs:
•VGA—If your TV includes a VGA port, connect the VGA cable from the Media Center
computer’s VGA (monitor) port to the TV’s VGA In port for the best quality. Many TVs
do not have a VGA port.
•S-Video—If your TV does not have a VGA port, but includes an S-Video port, connect
the S-Video cable from the Media Center computer’s S-Video Out port to the TV’s
S-Video In port. S-Video display quality is usually good for TV images. The display
quality for the Media Center computer functions, however, is not as good as VGA
output. S-Video display output is not optimized for computer video display.
•Quality of video cables—Poor quality or the incorrect type of video cables can cause
problems and affect the video quality. Gateway recommends using high-quality video
cables that can be purchased from the Gateway Accessory Store.
Note: Cable connections must be made correctly for optimal video quality. A poor cable
connection can lower video quality.
•Screen resolution—By default, if your display device was purchased with the Media
Center computer, the computer uses a screen resolution of 1024 × 768 for computer
monitors and 800 × 600 for the Gateway 42-inch Plasma TV. Many TVs cannot display this
high of a resolution and may shift, scramble, or scroll the picture. For a better picture on
a TV display, you may need to lower the Media Center screen resolution to 800 × 600 or
640 × 480. For more information about changing the screen resolution, see “Changing color
depth and screen resolution” on page 68.
•Size of display device—Small computer monitors for standard computer applications are
generally not optimized for motion video playback. Although they offer excellent
resolutions and refresh rates, they are designed to make static white backgrounds with
black text look readable. Some small display devices do not make colorful motion video
look its best. Generally, video will look better on a larger display device.
•Age of the TV—Newer TVs usually have more advanced features, produce a better quality
picture, and support higher screen resolutions. The Media Center video display will likely
be better on a newer model TV.
•Type of TV (interlaced or progressive scan)
Many TVs use interlaced video. Interlaced video displays a video frame with two passes
of alternating scan lines. The TV screen first displays the video image odd lines one
at a time, sequentially from top to bottom, then it fills in the other half of the video
image with the even lines. Because most TVs use this interlaced method to display
the picture on the screen, a standard interlaced analog TV will most likely flicker when
displaying thin lines and small text. An interlaced video display device will produce a
lower quality display, especially when viewing and using the Media Center computer
functions.
Progressive scan video displays a video frame with one pass of sequential scan lines.
A progressive scan TV displays the entire picture, drawn sequentially from top to
bottom, without the odd/even interlacing. This results in a fuller, sharper picture and
better display quality for viewing and using the Media Center computer functions. The
progressive scan picture is also brighter and easier on your eyes.
You need to configure your Media Center computer to output to a TV
•Your Media Center computer detects whether you are using a VGA or an S-Video display
device and automatically changes the display settings for the type of display device you
are using. For more information, see the Gateway support Web site at:
www.gateway.com.
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151
You want to change display settings to get better TV or DVD image quality
•Adjust the display device brightness, contrast, hue, and saturation. For more information,
see the Gateway support Web site at:
www.gateway.com.
You want to know whether you can burn programs that were recorded with your Media
Center computer to a DVD
•Yes, you can. The Media Center saves recorded programs in the DVR-MS format. You can
burn a DVR-MS file to a DVD with DVD recording (burning) software and with the Media
Center itself.
You want to know whether you can play recorded programs on other computers
•Yes, you can. A DVR-MS file recorded to DVD can be replayed on another Media Center
computer or on a non-Media Center computer that has a DVD player and DVD decoder
software (such as WinDVD). The non-Media Center computer must also have at lease
Windows XP with Service Pack (SP) 1 or 2, Windows Media Player 9 or later, and the
Windows patch Q810243 Update.
You want to know whether you can play recorded programs on your home DVD player
•Yes, you can. DVDs recorded with the Media Center can be played on a home DVD player.
You get a “Download Error” message when the Media Center tries to update the Program
Guide:
•You must be connected to the Internet to update the Program Guide. Make sure that your
Internet account is set up and connected to the Media Center computer. For information
about manually updating the Program Guide, see “Using Windows Media Center” on
page 64.
Memory
You see a “Memory error” message
•Use a third-party diagnostic program to help determine if a memory module is failing.
You see a “Not enough memory” error message
•Close all programs, then restart your computer.
Memory card reader
Drive letters for the memory card slots do not appear in the My Computer window
•Reboot your computer.
Modem (cable or DSL)
•See the documentation that came with your modem for additional troubleshooting
information.
Help
For more information about troubleshooting memory errors,
click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the phrase memory
error in the Search Help box, then click ENTER.
Tip
For the location of your network jack, see the poster or hardware
guide.
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Modem (dial-up)
•See also “Internet” on page 148.
Your modem does not dial or does not connect
•Make sure that the modem cable is plugged into the modem jack and not the Ethernet
network jack. See your hardware reference or setup poster to make sure that the
connections have been made correctly.
•Make sure that your computer is connected to the telephone line and the telephone line
has a dial tone.
•Make sure that the modem cable is less than 6 feet (1.8 meters) long.
•Remove any line splitters or surge protectors from your telephone line, then check for a
dial tone by plugging a working telephone into the telephone wall jack.
•If you have additional telephone services such as call waiting, call messaging, or voice mail,
make sure that all messages are cleared and call waiting is disabled before using the
modem. Contact your telephone service to get the correct code to temporarily disable the
service. Also make sure that the modem dialing properties are set correctly.
To check the dialing properties:
1Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
2Click Hardware and Sound, then click Phone and Modem Options. The Phone and
Modem Options dialog box opens.
3If this is the first time you have accessed this category, the Location Information dialog
box opens. Enter the information for your area, then click OK.
4Click the Dialing Rules tab, click the location from which you are dialing, then click
Edit.
5Make sure that all settings are correct.
•Disconnect any answering machine, fax machine, or printer that is on the same line as the
modem. Do not connect these devices to the same telephone line as the modem.
•Make sure that you are not using a digital, rollover, or PBX line. These lines do not work
with your modem.
•Check for line noise (scratchy, crackling, or popping sounds). Line noise is a common
problem that can cause the modem to connect at a slower rate, abort downloads, or even
disconnect. The faster the modem, the less line noise it can tolerate and still work correctly.
Listen to the line using your telephone. Dial a single number (such as 1). When the dial
tone stops, listen for line noise. Wiggle the modem cable to see if that makes a difference.
Make sure that the connectors are free from corrosion and all screws in the wall or
telephone wall jack are secure.
You can also call your telephone service and have the telephone line checked for noise or
low line levels.
•Try another telephone line (either a different telephone number in your house or a
telephone line at a different location). If you can connect on this line, call your telephone
service.
•Try connecting with the modem at a lower connection speed. If reducing the connect speed
lets you connect, call your telephone service. The telephone line may be too noisy.
You cannot connect to the Internet
•The ISP may be having technical difficulties. Contact your ISP for technical support.
•See if the modem works with a different communications program. The problem may be
with just one program.
•Review the troubleshooting information under “Internet” on page 148.
Help
For more information about dialing properties, click Start, then click Help
and Support. Type the keyword dialing in the Search Help box, then click ENTER.
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Your 56K modem does not connect at 56K
Current FCC regulations restrict actual data transfer rates over public telephone lines to 53K. Other
factors, such as line noise, telephone service provider equipment, or ISP limitations, may lower
the speed even further.
If your computer has a v.90 modem, the speed at which you can upload (send) data is limited
to 33.6K. If your computer has a v.92 modem, the speed at which you can upload data is limited
to 48K. Your ISP may not support 48K uploads.
Your fax communications program only sends and receives faxes at 14,400 bps when you
have a 56K modem
•Current fax technology only supports a maximum send and receive rate of 14,400 bps.
The modem is not recognized by your computer
•Make sure that the line connected to the modem is working and plugged into the
appropriate port on your computer. See your hardware reference or setup poster to make
sure that the connections have been made correctly.
•If the modem shares the telephone line with another device, make sure that the telephone
line is not in use (for example, someone is on the telephone, or another modem is in use).
•Use the modem cable that came with your computer. Some telephone cables do not meet
required cable standards and may cause problems with the modem connection.
•Shut down and restart your computer.
•Run Windows modem diagnostics.
To run modem diagnostics:
1Close all open programs.
2Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
3Click Hardware and Sound, then click Phone and Modem Options. The Phone and
Modem Options dialog box opens.
4Click the Modems tab, click your modem, then click Properties. The Modem Properties
dialog box opens.
5Click the Diagnostic tab, then click Query Modem. If information about the modem
appears, the modem passed diagnostics. If no modem information is available, a white
screen appears with no data, or if you get an error such as port already open or the
modem has failed to respond, the modem did not pass diagnostics.
The modem is noisy when it dials and connects
When your modem tries to connect to another modem, it begins handshaking. Handshaking is
a digital “getting acquainted” conversation between the two modems that establishes connection
speeds and communication protocols. You may hear unusual handshaking sounds when the
modems first connect. If the handshaking sounds are too loud, you can turn down the modem
volume.
To turn down the modem volume:
1Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
2Click Hardware and Sound, then click Phone and Modem Options. The Phone and
Modem Options dialog box opens.
3Click the Modems tab, click the modem you want to adjust, then click Properties.
4Click the Modem tab, then adjust the Speaker volume control.
5Click OK twice to close the Phone and Modem Options dialog box.
Help
For more information about modem troubleshooting, click Start, then click
Help and Support. Type the phrase modem troubleshooting in the Search
Help box, then click ENTER.
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Monitor
The screen resolution is not correct
•Change the screen resolution from the Display Settings dialog box. For more information,
see “Changing color depth and screen resolution” on page 68.
The computer is running but there is no picture
•Make sure that the monitor is plugged in and turned on. If the monitor is turned on, the
power LED should be lit.
•Adjust the brightness and contrast controls to the center position.
•Make sure that the monitor cable is connected to the video port on the back of your
computer.
•Check the cable for bent or damaged pins.
•Reinstall the device driver.
•Connect a monitor that you know works to your computer.
The color is not uniform
•Make sure that the monitor warms up for at least 30 minutes before making a final
judgment about color uniformity.
•Make sure that:
•Non-shielded speakers are not placed too close to the monitor.
•The monitor is not positioned too close to another monitor, electric fan, fluorescent
light, metal shelf, or laser printer.
•You demagnetize the screen using the monitor’s degauss feature. For more
information on degauss, see your monitor’s documentation.
Why is there a horizontal line or wire visible across the monitor screen?
Your monitor may use a thin damper wire, located approximately 1/3 of the way down from
the upper screen edge and 1/3 of the way up from the lower screen edge, to stabilize the internal
aperture grille. These wires are most obvious when the monitor displays a white background.
The aperture grille allows more light to pass through the screen for brighter colors and greater
luminescence. The damper wire is a critical part of the overall monitor design and does not
negatively affect the monitor's function.
The text on the display is dim or difficult to read
•Adjust the brightness and contrast controls.
•Use the monitor degauss feature (see your monitor documentation) or turn off your
computer and monitor, leave them off for at least a half hour, then restart your computer.
•Change the display settings. For more information, see “Changing the appearance of
windows and backgrounds” on page 69.
•Move the monitor away from sources of electrical interference, such as televisions,
unshielded speakers, microwaves, fluorescent lights, and metal beams or shelves.
For more information about display types, see your monitor and video card documentation.
Mouse
The mouse does not work
•Make sure that the mouse cable is plugged in correctly.
•Shut down and restart your computer.
•Remove all extension cables and switch boxes.
•Try a mouse you know is working to make sure that the mouse port works.
Help
For more information about changing the screen resolution, click Start,
then click Help and Support. Type the phrase screen resolution in the
Search Help box, then click ENTER.
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The mouse works erratically
•If the mouse pointer begins moving erratically across the computer display or becomes
difficult to control precisely, cleaning the mouse will likely improve its accuracy.
•Clean the mouse by wiping the bottom with a clean, damp cloth. Make sure that the optical
sensor is clean and free of debris.
Networks
You cannot connect to your company network
Every network is unique. Contact your company computer department or network administrator
for help. For more information about setting up a network in your home, see “Networking Your
Computer” on page 81.
Passwords
Your computer does not accept your password
•Make sure that CAPS LOCK is turned off, then retype the password.
Power
Your computer will not turn on
•Make sure that the power cord is connected to an AC power source and to your computer,
and that your computer is turned on.
•If your computer is plugged into a surge protector, make sure that the surge protector is
connected securely to an electrical outlet, turned on, and working correctly. To test the
outlet, plug a working device, such as a lamp, into the outlet and turn it on.
•Make sure that the power cord is free from cuts or damage. Replace any damaged cables.
Printer
The printer will not turn on
•Make sure that the printer is online. Many printers have an online/offline button that you
may need to press.
•Make sure that the power cable is plugged into an AC power source.
The printer is on but will not print
•Check the cable between the printer and your computer. Make sure that it is connected
to the correct port.
•Make sure that the printer is online. Many printers have an online/offline button that you
may need to press so the printer can start printing. Press the button to put the printer
online.
•Check the cable for bent or broken pins.
•If the printer you want to print to is not the default printer, make sure that you have
selected it in the printer setup.
To set a default printer:
1Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
2Click Hardware and Sound, then click the Change Default Printer option under the
Printers category. The Printer window opens.
Help
For more information about network troubleshooting, click Start, then
click Help and Support. Type the phrase network troubleshooting in the
Search Help box, then click ENTER.
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3Right-click the printer you want to be the default printer, then click Set as Default
Printer.
•Reinstall the printer driver. See the guide that came with your printer for instructions on
installing the printer driver.
You see a “Printer queue is full” error message
•Make sure that the printer is not set to work offline.
To make sure that the printer is not set to work offline:
1Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
2Click Hardware and Sound, then click the Printers category. The Printers window
opens.
3Right-click the printer you want to use. If the menu shows a check mark next to Use
Printer Offline, click Use Printer Offline to clear the check mark.
•Wait until files have been printed before sending additional files to the printer.
•If you print large files or many files at one time, you may want to add additional memory
to the printer. See the printer documentation for instructions for adding additional memory.
You see a “Printer is out of paper” error message
After adding paper, make sure that the printer is online. Most printers have an online/offline
button that you need to press after adding paper.
Sound
You are not getting sound from the speakers
•Make sure that the speakers are turned on.
•Make sure that the volume controls are turned up. For more information, see “Playing music
and movies” on page 54.
•Make sure that mute controls are turned off. For more information, see “Playing music
and movies” on page 54.
•If you are using external speakers, see the speaker setup poster to check your speaker
connections.
•Make sure that the universal jacks are configured correctly. For more information, see
“Configuring the audio jacks” on page 49.
Help
For more information about printer troubleshooting, click Start, then
click Help and Support. Type the phrase printer troubleshooter in the
Search Help box, then click ENTER.
Help
For more information about sound troubleshooting, click Start, then click
Help and Support. Type the phrase sound troubleshooter in the Search Help
box, then click ENTER.
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157
Telephone support
Before calling Gateway Customer Care
If you have a technical problem with your computer, follow these recommendations before
contacting Gateway Customer Care:
•Make sure that your computer is connected correctly to a grounded AC outlet that is
supplying power. If you use a surge protector, make sure that it is turned on.
•If a peripheral device, such as a keyboard or mouse, does not appear to work, make sure
that all cables are plugged in securely.
•If you have recently installed hardware or software, make sure that you have installed it
according to the instructions provided with it. If you did not purchase the hardware or
software from Gateway, see the manufacturer’s documentation and technical support
resources.
•If you have “how to” questions about using a program, see:
•Online Help
•Printed documentation
•The Microsoft Windows documentation
•The software publisher’s Web site
•See the troubleshooting section of this chapter.
•Have your customer ID, serial number, and order number available, along with a detailed
description of your problem, including the exact text of any error messages, and the steps
you have taken.
•Make sure that your computer is nearby at the time of your call. The technician may have
you follow troubleshooting steps.
Telephone numbers
Gateway offers a wide range of customer service, Customer Care, and information services.
Automated troubleshooting system
Warning
To avoid bodily injury, do not attempt to troubleshoot your computer
problem if:
- Power cords or plugs are damaged
- Liquid has been spilled into your computer
- Your computer was dropped
- The case was damaged
Instead, unplug your computer and contact a qualified computer technician.
Service description How to reach
Use an automated menu system and your telephone
keypad to find answers to common problems.
800-846-2118
(US and Canada)
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158
Telephone numbers
You can access the following services through your telephone to get answers to your questions:
Self-help
If you have how-to questions about using your Gateway-supplied hardware or software, see the
following resources:
•The printed or online documentation that came with your hardware or software. In many
cases, additional product information and online documentation for Gateway-supplied
hardware can be found in our Web site's Documentation Library.
•This guide and the hardware reference.
•The software publisher’s Web site.
Tutoring
Answers by GatewaySM is a telephone service that provides answers to all of your “How do I...”
questions on Gateway computers. For more information, go to www.gateway.com/answers.
Training
Gateway provides the following computer-based training:
Resource Service description How to reach
Answers by
Gateway
Get tutorial assistance for hardware and software issues. www.gateway.com/answers
Gateway
Customer Care
Talk to a Gateway Customer Care representative about a
non-tutorial technical support question.
(See “Before calling Gateway Customer Care” on page 157 before
calling)
TDD Customer Care (for hearing impaired) is available:
Weekdays 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Weekends 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Gateway Customer Care telephone
numbers vary by country or region.
See the label on the front or side of
your computer.
605-232-2191
Sales, accounting,
and warranty
Get information about available systems, pricing, orders, billing
statements, warranty service, or other non-technical issues.
800-846-2000 (US)
888-387-7752 (Canada)
Help
For more how-to information about Windows, click Start, then click Help
and Support. Type the keyword practice in the Search Help box, then click
ENTER.
Resource Service description For more information
Gateway
Learning
Libraries
A variety of courses and
tutorials are available on CD.
Select from several
easy-to-use learning libraries.
www.gateway.com/training
Online
Training
from Learn
With
Gateway
More than 450 online courses
are available from
Learn With Gateway. All you
have to do is go online and log
in. You select the subject
matter, and the learning
format (self-paced tutorials or
virtual classrooms), all from
the comfort of your computer.
www.learnwithgateway.com
APPENDIX A
159
Legal Notices
•Important safety information
•Regulatory compliance statements
•Environmental information
•Notices
APPENDIX A: Legal Notices
160
Important safety information
Your Gateway system is designed and tested to meet the latest standards for safety of information technology equipment. However, to ensure safe use of this product, it is important that the
safety instructions marked on the product and in the documentation are followed.
Setting up your system
■Read and follow all instructions marked on the product and in the documentation before you operate your system. Retain all safety and operating instructions for future use.
■Do not use this product near water or a heat source such as a radiator.
■Set up the system on a stable work surface.
■The product should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the rating label.
■If your computer has a voltage selector switch, make sure that the switch is in the proper position for your area. The voltage selector switch is set at the factory to the correct voltage.
■Openings in the computer case are provided for ventilation. Do not block or cover these openings. Make sure you provide adequate space, at least 6 inches (15 cm), around the system for
ventilation when you set up your work area. Never insert objects of any kind into the computer ventilation openings.
■Some products are equipped with a three-wire power cord to make sure that the product is properly grounded when in use. The plug on this cord will fit only into a grounding-type outlet.
This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into an outlet, contact an electrician to install the appropriate outlet.
■If you use an extension cord with this system, make sure that the total ampere rating on the products plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the extension cord ampere rating.
■If your system is fitted with a TV Tuner, cable, or satellite receiver card, make sure that the antenna or cable system is electrically grounded to provide some protection against voltage
surges and buildup of static charges.
Care during use
■Do not walk on the power cord or allow anything to rest on it.
■Do not spill anything on the system. The best way to avoid spills is to avoid eating and drinking near your system.
■Some products have a replaceable CMOS battery on the system board. There is a danger of explosion if the CMOS battery is replaced incorrectly. Replace the battery with the same or
equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
■When the computer is turned off, a small amount of electrical current still flows through the computer. To avoid electrical shock, always unplug all power cables and modem cables from the
wall outlets before cleaning the system.
■Unplug the system from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified personnel if:
■The power cord or plug is damaged.
■Liquid has been spilled into the system.
■The system does not operate properly when the operating instructions are followed.
■The system was dropped or the cabinet is damaged.
■The system performance changes.
Replacement parts and accessories
Use only replacement parts and accessories recommended by Gateway.
Warning
Always follow these instructions to help guard against personal injury and damage
to your Gateway system.
Warning
Do not use Gateway products in areas classified as hazardous locations. Such areas
include patient care areas of medical and dental facilities, oxygen-laden environments, or
industrial facilities.
Warning
To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger telecommunications line
cord.
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161
Regulatory compliance statements
United States of America
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Unintentional emitter per FCC Part 15
This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio or television reception. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause interference to radio and television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:
■Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
■Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
■Connect the equipment to an outlet on a different circuit from that to which the receiver is connected
■Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Compliance Accessories: The accessories associated with this equipment are: shielded video cable when an external monitor is connected. These accessories are required to be used in order
to ensure compliance with FCC rules.
FCC declaration of conformity
Responsible party:
Gateway, Inc.
7565 Irvine Center Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
Phone: 800-846-2000
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation of this device is subject to the following two conditions: (1)this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
California Proposition 65 Warning
Telecommunications per Part 68 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 47) (applicable to
products fitted with USA modems)
Your modem complies with Part 68 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 47) rules. On the computer or modem card is a label that contains the FCC registration number and Ringer
Equivalence Number (REN) for this device. If requested, this information must be provided to the telephone company.
A telephone line cord with a modular plug is required for use with this device. The modem is designed to be connected to the telephone network or premises wiring using a compatible
modular jack which is Part 68-compliant. See installation instructions for details.
The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) is used to determine the number of devices which may be connected to the telephone line. Excessive RENs on a telephone line may result in the devices
not ringing in response to an incoming call. In most areas, the sum of RENs should not exceed five (5.0). To be certain of the number of devices that may be connected to a line, as determined
by the total RENs, contact the local telephone company.
If this device causes harm to the telephone network, the telephone company will notify you in advance that temporary discontinuance of service may be required. The telephone company may
request that you disconnect the equipment until the problem is resolved.
The telephone company may make changes in its facilities, equipment, operations, or procedures that could affect the operation of this equipment. If this happens, the telephone company will
provide advance notice in order for you to make necessary modifications to maintain uninterrupted service.
This equipment cannot be used on telephone company-provided coin service. Connection to party line service is subject to state tariffs. Contact the state public utility commission or public
service commission for information.
When programming or making test calls to emergency numbers:
■Remain on the line and briefly explain to the dispatcher the reason for the call.
■Perform such activities in the off-peak hours such as early morning or late evenings.
The United States Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 makes it unlawful for any person to use a computer or other electronic device to send any message via a telephone fax machine
unless such message clearly contains, in a margin at the top or bottom of each transmitted page or on the first page of the transmission, the date and time it is sent, an identification of the
business, other entity, or other individual sending the message, and the telephone number of the sending machine or such business, other entity, or individual. Refer to your fax
communication software documentation for details on how to comply with the fax-branding requirement.
Caution
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Gateway could void the FCC
compliance and negate your authority to operate the product.
Warning
This product contains chemicals, including lead, known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects or reproductive harm.
APPENDIX A: Legal Notices
162
Canada
Industry Canada (IC) Unintentional emitter per ICES-003
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of Industry Canada.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dans le règlement sur le brouillage
radioélectrique édicté par Industrie Canada.
Telecommunications per Industry Canada CS-03 (for products fitted with an IC-compliant
modem)
The Industry Canada label identifies certified equipment. This certification means that the equipment meets certain telecommunications network protective, operation, and safety
requirements. The Department does not guarantee the equipment will operate to the users’ satisfaction.
Before installing this equipment, users should make sure that it is permissible to be connected to the facilities of the local telecommunications company. The equipment must also be installed
using an acceptable method of connection. In some cases, the inside wiring associated with a single-line individual service may be extended by means of a certified connector assembly. The
customer should be aware that compliance with the above conditions may not prevent degradation of service in some situations.
Repairs to certified equipment should be made by an authorized Canadian maintenance facility designated by the supplier. Any repairs or alterations made by the user to this equipment, or
equipment malfunctions, may give the telecommunications company cause to request the user to disconnect the equipment.
Users should make sure, for their own protection, that the electrical ground connections of the power utility, telephone lines, and internal metallic water pipe system, if present, are connected
together. This precaution may be particularly important in rural areas.
The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) assigned to each terminal device provides an indication of the maximum number of terminals allowed to be connected to a telephone interface. The
termination on an interface may consist of any combination of devices subject only to the requirement that the sum of the Ringer Equivalence Numbers of all the devices does not exceed 5.
Laser safety statement
All Gateway systems equipped with CD and DVD drives comply with the appropriate safety standards, including IEC 825. The laser devices in these components are classified as “Class 1 Laser
Products” under a US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Radiation Performance Standard. Should the unit ever need servicing, contact an authorized service location.
Television antenna connectors protection (for systems fitted with
TV/cable TV tuner cards)
External television antenna grounding
If an outside antenna or cable system is to be connected to your Gateway PC, make sure that the antenna or cable system is electrically grounded to provide some protection against voltage
surges and static charges.
Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPSA 70, provides information with regard to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an
antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode.
Cable distribution system should be grounded (earthed) in accordance with ANSI/NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code (NEC), in particular Section 820.93, Grounding of Outer Conductive
Shield of a Coaxial Cable.
Lightning protection
For added protection of any Gateway product during a lightning storm or when it is left unattended or unused for long periods of time, unplug the product from the wall outlet and disconnect
the antenna or cable system.
Warning
To avoid electrical shock or equipment malfunction do not attempt to make electrical
ground connections by yourself. Contact the appropriate inspection authority or an
electrician, as appropriate.
Warning
Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those
specified in this manual may result in hazardous radiation exposure. To prevent exposure
to laser beams, do not try to open the enclosure of a CD or DVD drive.
Important
The instructions are for the person who installs cable to the system. Gateway
assumes you are qualified in the servicing of computer equipment and trained in
recognizing hazards in products with electric shock.
www.gateway.com
163
Power lines
Do not locate the antenna near overhead light or power circuits, or where it could fall into such power lines or circuits.
Environmental information
The product you have purchased contains extracted natural resources that have been used in the manufacturing process. This product may contain substances known to be hazardous to the
environment or to human health.
To prevent releases of harmful substances into the environment and to maximize the use of our natural resources, Gateway provides the following information on how you can responsibly
recycle or reuse most of the materials in your “end of life” product.
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (commonly known as WEEE) should never be disposed of in the municipal waste stream (residential garbage collection). The
“Crossed-Out Waste Bin” label affixed to this product is your reminder to dispose of your “end of life” product properly.
Substances such as glass, plastics, and certain chemical compounds are highly recoverable, recyclable, and reusable. You can do your part for the environment by following these
simple steps:
■When your electrical or electronic equipment is no longer useful to you, “take it back” to your local or regional waste collection administration for recycling.
■In some cases, your “end of life” product may be “traded in” for credit towards the purchase of new Gateway equipment. Call Gateway to see if this program is available in your area.
■If you need further assistance in recycling, reusing, or trading in your “end of life” product, you may contact us at the Customer Care number listed in your product’s user guide and we will
be glad to help you with your effort.
Finally, we suggest that you practice other environmentally friendly actions by understanding and using the energy-saving features of this product (where applicable), recycling the inner and
outer packaging (including shipping containers) this product was delivered in, and by disposing of or recycling used batteries properly.
With your help, we can reduce the amount of natural resources needed to produce electrical and electronic equipment, minimize the use of landfills for the disposal of “end of life” products,
and generally improve our quality of life by ensuring that potentially hazardous substances are not released into the environment and are disposed of properly.
Warning
When installing or realigning an outside antenna system, extreme care should be
taken to keep from touching such power lines or circuits. Contact with them could be fatal.
Reference Grounding component
1Electric service equipment
2 Power service grounding electrode system
(NEC Art 250, Part H)
3Ground clamps
4 Grounding conductors (NEC Section 810-21)
5Antenna discharge unit (NEC Section 810-20)
6Ground clamp
7Antenna lead-in wire
2
1
5
3
7
6
4
Antenna and satellite grounding
APPENDIX A: Legal Notices
164
Notices
Copyright © 2007 Gateway, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
7565 Irvine Center Drive
Irvine, CA 92618 USA
All Rights Reserved
This publication is protected by copyright and all rights are reserved. No part of it may be reproduced or transmitted by any means or in any form, without prior consent in writing from
Gateway.
The information in this manual has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate. However, changes are made periodically. These changes are incorporated in newer publication
editions. Gateway may improve and/or change products described in this publication at any time. Due to continuing system improvements, Gateway is not responsible for inaccurate
information which may appear in this manual. For the latest product updates, consult the Gateway Web site at www.gateway.com. In no event will Gateway be liable for direct, indirect,
special, exemplary, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from any defect or omission in this manual, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
In the interest of continued product development, Gateway reserves the right to make improvements in this manual and the products it describes at any time, without notices or obligation.
Trademark acknowledgments
Gateway and the Black-and-White Spot Design are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gateway, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. Intel, Intel Inside logo, and Pentium are registered
trademarks and MMX is a trademark of Intel Corporation. Microsoft, MS, MS-DOS, and Windows are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other product names
mentioned herein are used for identification purposes only, and may be the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Macrovision statement
If your computer has a DVD-compatible drive and an analog TV Out port, the following paragraph
applies:
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation
and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless
otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
165
www.gateway.com
Index
A
AC power connector 8
accessing
shared drives 93
shared files 93
shared folders 93
accessories
safety precautions 160
accounts
Internet 35
ISP 35
user 76
activity indicators
See indicators
adding
icons to desktop 24
user accounts 76
address
e-mail 37
Web 36
application buttons 16
application key 15, 16
arrow keys 15, 17
AU file 54
audio
audio in jack 8
center speaker jack 9
configuring jacks 19, 49
front speaker jack 8
headphone jack 8
line in jack 8
line out jack 8
microphone jack 7, 8
muting 18
playing 54
rear speaker jack 8
S/PDIF speaker jack 9
side speaker jack 8
subwoofer jack 9
audio CD
adding tracks to library 59
cleaning 108
editing track information 59
playing 55
audio in jack 8
audio playback buttons 15, 16
AVI file 54
B
backing up files 115
battery
replacing 125
bezel
removing 122
replacing 123
BigFix 104
broadband connection
connecting 8
broadband Internet connection
34, 82
browser
Web 34, 35
browsing for files and folders 29
buttons
See keys and buttons
C
cable modem 12, 35, 82, 84
connecting 8
Caps Lock indicator 15, 16
cards
adding expansion cards 136
inserting memory card 48
installing memory card 48
removing memory card 48
replacing expansion 136
slots 48
troubleshooting add-in card
147
troubleshooting memory
card 151
types of memory cards
supported 48
case
closing 123
opening 120
CD
adding tracks to your library
59
cleaning 108
creating audio 60
creating data 63
editing track information 59
inserting 47
playing music 55
troubleshooting 145
CD drive
adding 126
identifying 46
locating drive 6
replacing 126
troubleshooting 145
using 46
cellular phone
memory cards 48
Certificate of Authenticity 4
cleaning
audio CD 108
case 107
CD 108
computer screen 107
DVD 108
keyboard 107
LCD panel 107
mouse 108
notebook exterior 107
screen 107
clicking 18
clipboard 26
close button 25
closing
computer case 123
front bezel 123
program 25, 32
unresponsive program 14
window 25, 32
color
changing scheme 69
computers
naming 87
Computrace 96
configuring
audio jacks 19, 49
router 88
speakers 19, 49
TCP/IP protocol 88
connecting
external monitor 49
modem 12
projector 49
PS/2 keyboard 9
PS/2 mouse 9
television 50
to Ethernet network 8, 12
to Internet 8, 35
to network 8, 12
to Web site 36
connections
audio in 8
center speaker 9
digital audio 9
digital camera 7, 9, 20
digital coaxial audio 9
digital video camera 7, 8, 20
DVI video 9
Ethernet 8, 12
external audio 8
external speakers 8
Firewire 7, 8, 20
Contents
166
front speaker 8
headphone 8
i.Link 7, 8, 20
IEEE 1394 7, 8, 20
keyboard 7, 9
line in 8
line out 8
microphone 7, 8
modem 8, 12
monitor 9
monitor (VGA) 49, 73
mouse 7, 9
network 8, 12
optical cable 9
parallel 8
power 8
power cord 8
printer 7, 8, 9
projector 49, 73
PS/2 keyboard 9
PS/2 mouse 9
rear speakers 8
S/PDIF 9
scanner 7, 9
serial 9
side speaker 8
subwoofer 9
S-Video out 50
telephone 9
television 50
TOSLINK 9
universal 19, 49, 156
USB 7, 9
VGA 49, 73
video camera 7, 8
Zip drive 7, 9
copying
files across network 93
files and folders 26, 32
text and graphics 32
creating
desktop icons 24
desktop shortcuts 24
documents 30
folders 26
music files 58
video DVD 61
WMA files 58
Customer Service
Accounting 158
Sales 158
Warranty 158
customizing 67
cutting
files and folders 26
D
default printer 155
defragmenting hard drive 114
deleting files and folders 22, 27,
32, 112
desktop
adding icons 24
adding shortcuts 24
adjusting settings 68
changing color scheme 69
selecting screen saver 70
using 22
using Start menu 23
DHCP 88
digital camera
locating serial port 9
locating USB port 7, 9
digital video camera
locating IEEE 1394 port 7, 8
DIMM
See memory
directional keys 15, 17
disconnecting from Internet 35
Disk Cleanup 112
Disk Defragmenter 114
diskette
troubleshooting 146
diskette drive
adding 126
identifying 46
replacing 126
troubleshooting 146
using 46
display
properties 49, 51
troubleshooting 146
using screen saver 70
documentation
Gateway Web site 2
help 3
Help and Support 3
online help 4
documents
creating 30
opening 30
printing 31
saving 30
double-clicking 18
downloading files 37
dragging 18
drivers
updating 2
drives
backing up files 115
CD 6, 46
checking for errors 113
checking for free space 111
defragmenting 114
diskette 46
DVD 6, 46
identifying drive types 46
mapping network 93
recordable CD 6, 46
recordable DVD 6, 46, 47
sharing 91
troubleshooting 145, 146, 148
types 46
un-sharing 92
viewing contents 25
viewing files and folders 25
DSL modem 12, 35, 82, 84
connecting 8
DVD
cleaning 108
creating data 63
creating video 61
drive 46, 47
inserting 47
playing 50, 55
troubleshooting 145, 146
DVD drive
adding 126
identifying 46, 47
locating drive 6
replacing 126
troubleshooting 145, 146
using 46
Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol 88
E
editing
music track information 59
editing buttons 15, 16
electrostatic discharge (ESD) 120
e-mail
address 37
checking for messages 38
sending 38
using 34, 37
ergonomics 10
Error-checking 113
Ethernet jack 8
Ethernet network
connecting 12
equipment needed 83
example 82
installing cards 84, 87
installing drivers 84, 87
jack 12
expansion card
adding 136
replacing 136
external audio jack 8
167
www.gateway.com
F
Fast Ethernet 82
faxes
canceling 44
receiving and viewing 39, 44
sending 39, 43
sending a Fax 40
sending from program 43
sending scanned image 44
setting up cover page
template 43
troubleshooting 153
files
backing up 115
copying 26, 32
cutting 26
deleting 22, 27, 32, 112
downloading 37
finding 28, 29
moving 26
opening 18, 23
opening shared 93
pasting 26, 32
recovering 27
renaming 32
searching for 28, 29, 117
sharing 91
transferring 117
troubleshooting 147
types 117
un-sharing 92
viewing list 25
finding
files and folders 28, 29, 117
Help and Support topics 3
Firewire port 7, 8, 20
folders
copying 26, 32
creating 26
cutting 26
deleting 22, 27, 32
finding 28, 29
moving 26
opening 18, 25
pasting 26, 32
recovering 27
renaming 32
searching for 28, 29
sharing 91
un-sharing 92
viewing list 25
fragmentation 114
front bezel
removing 123
replacing 123
front fan
replacing 129
front I/O panel
replacing 135
function keys 15, 16
G
Gateway
Web address 2
Web site 2
Gigabit Ethernet 82
H
hard drive
adding 128
backing up files 115
checking for errors 113
checking for free space 111
defragmenting 114
deleting files and folders 112
replacing 128
scanning for errors 113
troubleshooting 148
headphone jack 7, 8
heat sink
replacing 133
help
Media Center 3
online 4
using 3
Help and Support 3
searching 3
starting 3
Hibernate mode 6
hyperlinks 35
I
i.Link port 7, 8, 20
IEEE 1394 port 7, 8, 20
indicators
Caps Lock 15, 16
CD drive 47
diskette drive 46
DVD drive 47
Num Lock 15, 16
numeric keypad 15, 16
power 6
Scroll Lock 15, 16
installing
battery 125
devices 20
digital camera 20
digital video camera 20
diskette drive 126
DVD/CD drive 126
expansion card 136
front bezel 122
front fan 129
front I/O panel 135
hard drive 128
heat sink 133
memory 124
memory card reader 126
peripheral devices 20
power supply 132
printer 20
processor 133
rear fan 131
scanner 20
side panel 120
system battery 125
system board 137
Internet
account 35
buttons 15
connecting to 35
downloading files 37
requirements to access 34
troubleshooting 148, 152
using 34
Internet service provider (ISP) 34
connecting to 35
disconnecting from 35
setting up account 35
IP address
entering 88
ISP
See Internet service provider
J
jacks
See connections
K
keyboard
buttons 14
cleaning 107
features 14
PS/2 port 9
troubleshooting 149
USB port 7, 9
keyboard shortcuts 32
keys and buttons
application 15, 16
arrow 15, 17
audio playback 15, 16
directional 15, 17
editing 15, 16
function 15, 16
Internet 15
mouse 17
navigation 15, 17
numeric 15, 17
sleep 16
Windows 15, 16
Contents
168
L
label
Microsoft Certificate of
Authenticity 4
LCD panel
cleaning 107
troubleshooting 146, 154
using screen saver 70
lights
See indicators
line in jack 8
line out jack 8
links 35
M
maintenance
backing up files 115
checking for drive errors 113
checking hard drive space
111
cleaning 107, 108
cleaning computer display
107
cleaning computer screen
107
cleaning mouse 108
defragmenting 114
deleting files 112
suggested schedule 106
using Scheduled Task Wizard
116
virus protection 97
mapping network drives 93
maximize button 25
McAfee Personal Firewall Plus 97
McAfee Privacy Service 97
McAfee SecurityCenter 97
scanning for viruses 98
starting 98
updating 98
McAfee Spamkiller 97
McAfee VirusScan 97
Media Center
see Windows Media Center
Media Player 54
memory
adding 124
installing 124
replacing 124
troubleshooting 151
memory card reader 6
adding 126
memory card types
supported 48
replacing 126
using 48
menu bar 25
messages
checking e-mail 38
sending e-mail 38
microphone jack 7, 8
Microsoft
Fax 39
Internet Explorer 34
Outlook 34
Outlook Express 34
Windows Media Player 54
Wordpad 29
Microsoft Certificate of
Authenticity 4
MIDI file 54
minimize button 25
modem
cable 12, 35, 82, 84
connecting 12
dial-up 34
DSL 12, 35, 82, 84
jack 8, 12
troubleshooting 151, 152
monitor
adding external 49
color quality 50, 73
controls 68
display properties 49, 51
port 9
screen resolution 50, 73
troubleshooting 154
using screen saver 70
mouse
buttons 17
changing settings 75
cleaning 108
clicking 18
double-clicking 18
moving pointer 17, 18
moving screen objects 18
opening files, folders, and
programs 18
pointer 17
PS/2 port 9
right-clicking 18
scroll wheel 17
selecting screen objects 18
troubleshooting 154
USB port 7, 9
moving
files 26
files from old computer 116,
117
folders 26
pointer 18
screen objects 18
settings from old computer
116
MP3 file
creating 58
editing track information 59
playing 54
MP3 player
memory cards 48
MPEG file
playing 54
multimedia
adjusting volume 18
playing audio CD 55
playing DVD 55
recording audio 57
using DVD drive 46
using Windows Media Player
54
music library
building 59
music tracks
copying 58
muting sound 18
N
name
computer 87
workgroup 87
naming
computers 87
workgroup 87
navigation keys 15, 17
network
jack 12
testing 91
troubleshooting 147, 155
using 92
network jack 8
non-technical support
Accounting 158
Sales 158
Warranty 158
NTSC/PAL jack 50
numeric keypad 15, 17
indicator 15, 16
O
online help 3, 4
opening
computer case 120
documents 30
files 18, 23
files across network 93
folders 18, 25
front bezel 122
programs 18, 23
169
www.gateway.com
shortcut menu 18
P
Pad Lock indicator 15, 16
parallel port 8
password 155
pasting
files and folders 26, 32
text and graphics 32
PDA
memory cards 48
peripheral devices 20
playing
audio CD 55
audio file 54
Media Player file 54
multimedia files 54
music CD 55
Windows Media Player file 54
Plug and Play devices
IEEE 1394 support for 20
USB support for 20
pointer 17
moving 18
ports
See connections
power
button 6
changing schemes 77
connector 8
Hibernate mode 6
indicator 6
schemes 77
source problems 11
Standby/Resume 6
troubleshooting 155
turning off computer 13
turning on computer 13
power button 6
power supply
replacing 132
printer
default 155
installing 20
parallel port 8
sharing 92
troubleshooting 155
USB port 7, 9
printing
documents 31
files across network 94
processor
replacing 133
programs
closing 32
closing unresponsive 14
opening 18, 23
projector
adding 49
color quality 50, 73
display properties 49, 51
screen resolution 50, 73
PS/2 port
keyboard 9
mouse 9
R
RAM
See memory
rear fan
replacing 131
rebooting computer 14
recordable drive 6
locating 6
recording
audio file 57
CD tracks 58
recovering files and folders 27
Recycle Bin 22
deleting files and folders 27
emptying 28
recovering files and folders
27
remote control
see Windows Media Center
remote control
removing files and folders 22, 27,
28, 32, 112
renaming files and folders 32
replacing battery
See installing
resetting computer 14
restarting computer 14
restoring files and folders 27
Resume mode 6
right-clicking 18
router
configuring 88
S
S/PDIF jack 9
safety
avoiding repetitive strain 11
caring for notebook 106
general precautions 160
guidelines for
troubleshooting 144
posture 11
reducing eye strain 10
setting up computer 10
static electricity 120
saving
documents 30
scanner
installing 20
Scheduled Tasks Wizard 116
screen
adjusting settings 68
resolution 50, 73
saver 70
troubleshooting 154
screen objects
getting information 18
moving 18
selecting 18
Scroll Lock indicator 15, 16
scroll wheel 17
Search utility 28
searching
for files and folders 28, 29,
117
in Help and Support 3
serial port 9
setting up
safety precautions 160
sharing
drives 91
folders 91
printer 92
shortcut menus
accessing 18
shortcuts
adding to desktop 24
closing programs 32
closing windows 32
copying 32
deleting files and folders 32
keyboard 32
opening menu 18
pasting 32
renaming files and folders 32
selecting adjacent items in
list 32
selecting items in list 32
switching between files,
folders, or programs
32
shutting down computer 13, 14
side panel
removing 120
replacing 120, 123
sleep button 16
software
See programs
sound
adjusting 18
controls 18
Contents
170
muting 18
Sound Recorder
recording audio 57
speaker jack 8
speakers
configuring 19, 49
Standby mode 6
Start button 22
Start menu 23
starting
computer 13
programs 18
starting computer 6
starting programs 23
static electricity 120
subnet mask
entering 88
support
using 2
surge protector 11
S-Video (TV) out
jack 50
system battery
replacing 125
system board
replacing 137
T
taskbar 22
TCP/IP protocol
configuring 88
technical support
automated troubleshooting
157
Technical Support 158
tips before contacting 157
tutorial service 158
telephone
canceling fax 44
installing Fax 40
jack 9
receiving and viewing faxes
44
sending fax 43
sending faxes from program
43
sending scanned image fax
44
setting up fax cover page
template 43
using Fax 39
telephone support 157
television
playing DVD on 50
TV out jack 50
viewing display on 50
testing network 91
title bar 24
TOSLINK jack 9
training
CD 158
classroom 158
Gateway Learning Libraries
158
Learn With Gateway 158
transferring
files from Internet 37
files from old computer 116,
117
settings from old computer
116
troubleshooting
add-in cards 147
automated system 157
cards 147
CD drive 145
diskette drive 146
display 146
DVD drive 145, 146
DVD/CD drive 145, 146
Ethernet network 147
faxes 153
files 147
general guidelines 144
hard drive 148
Internet connection 148, 152
keyboard 149
LCD panel 146, 154
memory 151
memory card reader 151
modem 151, 152
monitor 154
mouse 154
network 155
passwords 155
power 155
printer 155
safety guidelines 144
screen 146, 154
screen area 154
screen resolution 154
technical support 157
telephone support 157
Web site connection speed
149
Windows Media Center 149
turning off computer 6, 13, 14
turning on computer 6, 13
tutoring
fee-based 158
U
uninterruptible power supply
(UPS) 11
un-sharing
drives 92
folders 92
updating
device drivers 2
McAfee SecurityCenter 98
Windows 110
UPS 11
USB port 7, 9, 20
user accounts
adding in Windows XP 76
switching in Windows XP 76
using
Fax 40
V
VGA port 49, 73
video
creating 51
editing 51
playing 54
viewing
shared drives 93
shared folders 93
virus
protecting against 97
removing 97
voltage switch 8
volume
adjusting 18
adjusting modem 153
controls 18
muting 18
troubleshooting 156
W
WAV file 54
Web browser 34, 35
Web page 35
Web site 35
connecting to 36
downloading files 37
Gateway 2
window 24
close button 25
closing 25, 32
maximize button 25
menu bar 25
minimize button 25
title bar 24
Windows
clipboard 26
171
www.gateway.com
Product Key Code 4
Search utility 28
Windows key 15, 16
Windows Media Center 64
help 3
remote control 65
troubleshooting 149
Windows Media Player
building music library 59
creating music files 58
creating WMA files 58
editing tack information 59
playing audio CD 55
playing audio file 54
viewing video file 54
Windows Movie Maker
editing video 51
Windows Security Center
icon 22
using 97
Windows Update 102, 110
wired Ethernet
troubleshooting 147
WMA file
creating 58
editing track information 59
playing 54
Wordpad 29
workgroup
naming 87
working safely 10
World Wide Web (WWW) 35
downloading files 37
Z
Zip drive 115
Contents
172
MAN BTX PRO USR GDE V R0 12/06

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